A review is underway of the electoral boundaries in Victoria, in the lead up to the 2022 state election.

The review could have a big impact on Phillip Island, with the boundaries of the Bass electorate likely to be changed as part of this review.

Submissions on boundary changes are open until March 1.

Each electoral district must be within 10 per cent of the state average in terms of enrolled voters, to ensure the vote is evenly distributed.

At the moment, Bass is almost 41 per cent above the state average, making it the second-highest of any electoral district in Victoria.

Rapid population increase in areas like Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup is responsible for the strong increase in voter enrolments in the electorate.

With the neighbouring electorate of Gippsland South sitting almost 10 per cent below the state average, one solution might be to move Phillip Island and other areas of Bass Coast from Bass to the Gippsland South electorate.

If that happened, the island would move from a swing seat in the 2018 election – where some substantial election promises secured the seat for Labor – to a safe seat, currently held by National Party Member Danny O’Brien.

It would also create an interesting dilemma for the current member of Bass, Jordan Crugnale, who resides in Inverloch.

Another possibility could be a new seat created in the south-east corridor.

Island Voice

One feature of Bass being considered a swing seat in the last state election was how effectively local groups lobbied the state government to secure improved services for Phillip Island.

The promise of a Community Hospital, a new CFA station in Cowes, new school gym for Cowes Primary School and a new Junior Secondary Campus in San Remo were some of the most substantial wins for the community.

Peter Paul, president of Island Voice, said the group would be making a submission to the review.

“We totally endorse the principle of one person, one vote, but we don’t think in any way the Phillip Island community should be disadvantaged by where it’s placed in an electorate.

“Phillip Island deserves special consideration, as our issues don’t really correlate with many other parts of south-west Gippsland,” he said.

“Our submission will state a case of what we think is in the interest of the people of Phillip Island. There needs to be compatibility and affinity within each electorate."

Bass Coast is considered a peri-urban council, and Peter said the island faced unique pressures due to tourism and the current housing and real estate boom.

“I would encourage any not-for-profit or community group to make a submission, voicing what they feel. The commission will look at these and make a judgement.”

Peter acknowledged the redistribution could see the island move from a swing seat to a safe one, which could make it harder for arguments to prevail.

But as a grassroots organisation, he said Island Voice had always spoken to both major parties.

“It’s important to keep the dialogue open, fair and reasoned and make your case for why you need things.”

Submission

The review process doesn’t change the number of electorates in Victoria, but redistributes the votes, to ensure the number of enrolled electors for each electorate is within 10 per cent of the state average.

The ABC’s election expert, Antony Green said 28 of the 88 state districts will need their boundaries redrawn to bring them back within the 10 per cent quota.

“The Bass Coast Council end of the existing Bass may be transferred to a rural electorate,” he predicted.

Interested members of the community can make submissions about the electoral boundary changes with a range of resources, including an interactive map, available at: www.ebc.vic.gov.au/CurrentRedivision/

You can also view a video of the information session hosted by Chief Justice Peter Kidd on December 6, 2020.

Stage One submissions are now open and close at 5pm on March 1, 2021. Public hearings will be held from March 29 to April 2.

Final boundaries will be released on October 14, 2021.