The proposed new federal electorate of Parkes will see a substantial increase in its geographic size, increasing to half of the state.
A recent decision by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) determined that New South Wales (NSW) would lose one federal electoral division while Western Australia (WA) would gain an extra federal electoral division.
As part of the AEC’s redistribution of federal boundaries in NSW, the augmented Electoral Commission has announced the names and boundaries of the 47 federal electoral divisions in NSW.
The changes will see the proposed Parkes electorate lose residents in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Wellington and Mid Western Regional Councils and will now include the LGAs of Gunnedah, Broken Hill, Central Darling and Unincorporated NSW.
Current Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said regardless of the significant changes to the proposed Parkes electorate, he remains committed to contesting the seat at the next Federal election and will be running for pre-selection for the Nationals.
He said he was very aware that representing an electorate the area of half of NSW will present many challenges.
“I would consider it an absolute honour to be given the opportunity to tackle these issues and represent the people of the proposed Parkes electorate,” Mr Coulton said.
He said he was saddened to lose the communities of Wellington, Mudgee, Gulgong and Bingara in the redistribution.
“I am also looking forward to the opportunity to reengage with the community of Gunnedah and to meet with and listen to the Far Western NSW communities including Broken Hill, Menindee and Wilcannia,” he said.
