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The term 'redistribution' is used in Australia to mean a redrawing of electoral boundaries. It is equivalent to the term redistricting in the United States.
Boundaries for the Australian House of Representatives and for the six state and two territorial legislatures are drawn up by independent authorities - at the federal level by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and in the states and territories by their equivalent bodies. Politicians have no influence over the process, although they, along with any other citizen or organisation, can make submissions to the independent authorities suggesting changes.
Interference in the redistribution process by politicians, of the kind which is common in the United States, would be a criminal offence in Australia. In 1977, federal Cabinet minister Reg Withers was forced to resign for suggesting to another minister that the name of a federal electorate be changed to suit a political ally.

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External links

★ The AEC's section on redistributions