A subdivision review considers the ward boundaries within a local council to ensure that each voter is equally represented in local government elections. Subdivision reviews are similar to electoral representation reviews. However:
- they only address the position of ward boundaries within a municipality; and
- they are only conducted if one or more wards within that municipality are unlikely to meet approximate equality requirements at the next general election (having 10% more or less voters than any other ward); and
- they are only conducted if that municipality will have a general election before its next electoral representation reviews.
During a subdivision review the VEC looks at the number of voters represented by each councillor in each ward. For each councillor, this number must be within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for the whole municipality. If this is not the case, the VEC analyses the distribution of voters in the municipality and determines suitable alterations to the ward boundaries.
The subdivision review process
- Electoral enrolment data is analysed to determine if ward boundary changes are required, and proposed boundary alterations that ensure each elector is represented equally on the council are modeled.
- A map of the proposed boundaries is published in relevant local newspapers.
- A proposed ward boundaries report is made available for inspection at the Council's office, at the VEC's office and on this website.
- Written suggestions and objections are considered and, if necessary, a public hearing is held.
- The VEC prepares a subdivision review report containing its final recommendation. This report must be lodged with the Minister for Local Government at least six months before the next general election.
- The Minister for Local Government considers the VEC's recommendations and may make a determination. Any determination applies at the following local council general election.
A subdivision review cannot:
- change the electoral structure of a local council (such as changing the number of councillors);
- divide a ward into two separate wards
- amalgamate multiple wards into a single ward;
These changes are made as part of a council's periodic
representation review.
In addition to these changes, a subdivision review cannot:
- change the external boundaries of the municipality;
- divide the municipality into two separate municipalities; or
- amalgamate it with another municipality.
These changes can only be made by the
Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Local Government.
The VEC bases its recommendations on a number of factors. We:
- conduct our own research;
- draw on our experience conducting electoral subdivision reviews across Victoria and assisting the Electoral Boundaries Commission (external link);
- draw on our expertise at mapping, demography and local government; and
- carefully consider all input from the public.
Input from the public is an important part of the process, but it is not the only factor considered. The VEC's recommendations are not made by a "straw poll" of the number of submissions supporting particular models. We aim to ensure fair and equitable representation for all voters in a municipality. This includes carefully considering all views expressed in submissions from the public. It also means considering other factors, like giving representation to communities of interest (including ones that are not particularly vocal).
Once a proposed ward boundaries report has been produced, interested groups or individuals can submit a response for consideration. These responses are considered by the VEC prior to the development of the subdivision review report which is submitted to Minister for Local Government.
During the review process, the proposed ward boundaries report will be available for download from the scheduled reviews page once it has been produced.
When a review is complete, the subdivision review report will be available from the past subdivision reviews page or you can contact our office to have a copy sent to you.
