Northern Territory Consolidated Regulations

LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ELECTORAL) REGULATIONS - SECT 63

(1) A council carries out an electoral review when it makes or revises an assessment under section 23(2) of the Act of whether the constitutional arrangements presently in force for electoral representation provide the most effective possible representation for the council's area.

(2) In carrying out an electoral review, a council must give proper consideration to the following matters:

(a) community of interests in the area including economic, social and regional interests;

(b) types of communication and travel in the area with special reference to disabilities arising out of remoteness or distance;

(c) the trend of population changes in the area;

(d) the density of population in the area;

(e) the physical features of the area.

(3) If an area is divided into wards, the council must also consider the following matters:

(a) the desirability of the number of electors for each ward being as near to equal as practicable at the next general election;

(b) the desirability of keeping the area of each ward containing rural and remote areas as small as practicable;

(c) the desirability of keeping the demographic and geographic nature of each ward as uniform as practicable;

(d) the desirability of including an identifiable community wholly within 1 ward if practicable.

(4) In carrying out its electoral review, the council must consult with the Electoral Commission.

(5) The council should complete its electoral review at least twelve months before the next general election.