Media Release - Tasmanian councils call for fairer consultation on electoral boundary changes

The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has voiced concerns over the short timeframe allocated for public submissions on the proposed redistribution of Tasmania’s electoral divisions. We urge the Australian Electoral Commission to extend the submission deadline to allow for proper community consultation.

Mayor Mick Tucker, President of LGAT, said the magnitude of the proposed changes to electoral boundaries demands a more considered and inclusive process.

“Several of the changes that are proposed in the redistribution have a profound impact on the current electoral divisions, in some cases potentially disrupting well-established communities of interest,” Mayor Tucker said.

“Changes of this scale need a fair and adequate timeframe for communities and councils to review and respond.”

The current schedule allows just four weeks for submissions following the release of the proposed changes, with a closing date of 27 March 2026. That’s simply not reasonable.

“LGAT is formally requesting that the period for submissions be extended until the end of April to give communities and councils the time they need to properly consider the proposals and have their say,” said Mayor Tucker.

“It’s vital that the voices of Tasmanians are heard in this process.”