Division of Moreton, Queensland
The Division of Moreton is an Australian Electoral Division located in Queensland. It is a significant division as it was one of the original 65 divisions contested at the first federal election in Australia. The division is named after Moreton Bay, which is a prominent bay in Queensland.
Historical Background
The Division of Moreton was established in 1901, the year of the first federal election in Australia. Initially, the division stretched from southern Brisbane all the way to the Gold Coast, but successive redistributions have left the seat completely landlocked. Despite these changes, the division has retained its historical name, following the Australian Electoral Commission's guidelines to preserve the names of original electorates.
Geographical Location
Currently, the Division of Moreton is based in the southern suburbs of the City of Brisbane. It encompasses areas such as Sunnybank, Acacia Ridge, and Moorooka. The division is predominantly urban, reflecting the dynamic and diverse population of Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
Political Representation
The Division of Moreton is represented in the Australian House of Representatives. The current Member of Parliament (MP) is Julie-Ann Campbell of the Australian Labor Party. The division has been a crucial battleground in federal elections, often reflecting broader national trends.
Electoral Importance
Electoral divisions like Moreton are critical to the functioning of Australia's democratic system. Redistributions occur periodically, either every seven years or sooner if a state's representation entitlement changes or when divisions become malapportioned. These redistributions ensure that each division reflects current population demographics and geographical considerations.
Connections to Other Electoral Divisions
The Division of Moreton is part of a broader electoral landscape in Queensland, which includes divisions such as Division of Wright, Division of Longman, and Division of Ryan, among others. Each of these divisions plays a role in the representation of Queenslanders at the federal level.