Big News!

As you may know, due to popluation growth Victoria is currently going through an electoral redistribution. 

In case you didn't know, the AEC tries to keep the population of each electorate roughly equal so that each MP is representing a similar number of voters. Every 4 years - or when there has been a large increase or movement of population - they do a review, change borders and sometimes change the name of electorates. We are set to gain a seat, along with the ACT. Whereas SA is losing a seat.
 

The draft Victorian redistribution was released late last week and it looks like the seat of Murray will be undergoing a change of borders outlined below AND a change of name to the seat of Nicholls. 
Whilst the reason given for the change of name is lacking in depth, I would be extremely proud to represent an electorate named after Sir Doug and Lady Gladys Nicholls. That they are both Yorta Yorta people, strong advocates for their people and made great gains for those they represented.
 

In terms of border Essentially, we'll say farewell to those parts of the electorate in Loddon Shire, which will be heading to Mallee, as well as Violet Town and Euroa which will be heading back to Indi. Whilst we'll gain Broadford & Seymour from McEwen and Tungamah from Indi.
 

In my view, Tungamah and Yarrawonga would be better represented by Indi as those communities orient towards Wangaratta and Wodonga. I also believe Euroa and to a lesser extent Violet Town would be represented just as well by being included in Nicholls, given the community orientation to Shepparton and Seymour (in addition to Benalla which is in Indi.)
 

These changes are just a draft at this point, so there is still time to object until May 4th. I'll be making a submission and I encourage you to have your say too.

Once the redistribution is confirmed in June, I'll be out and about meeting with the people of the new electorate of Nicholls and working with them to develop policy for the benefit of us all.