Division of Herbert (Australian federal electoral division)
Australian federal electorate in northern Queensland, created in 1901 and centred on Townsville; named for Sir Robert Herbert, the first Premier of Queensland. Boundaries have changed over time.
Overview
The Division of Herbert is an Australian electoral division in the state of Queensland. It was created as one of the original constituencies for the first federal election in 1901 and is named for Sir Robert Herbert, who served as the first Premier of Queensland. As a seat in the Australian House of Representatives it returns one member at each federal election and forms part of the country’s system of single-member electorates established at federation.
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Geography and boundaries
Today the division is largely centred on the city of Townsville and its nearby suburbs and coastal hinterland. Its precise limits have been adjusted many times by redistribution processes, reflecting population shifts and electoral rules. Historically the electorate covered a much larger portion of northern Queensland and once extended from around Mackay up to the Torres Strait, incorporating a mix of urban, coastal and remote communities.
History and development
When the division was first proclaimed in 1901 it served a wide and sparsely populated northern area. Over the decades, changes in population concentration and formal redistributions reduced its geographic span so that it now focuses on the Townsville region. The seat’s boundaries and demographic makeup have evolved with the growth of coastal towns, shifts in industry and the administrative process used to maintain equal voter numbers across divisions.
Electoral characteristics and significance
Herbert has been represented by members from Australia’s major political groupings at different times and has at times been considered a contestable seat. Its mix of urban voters in a regional city, suburban areas and nearby rural or coastal communities gives it a varied electorate profile. Like other federal divisions, Herbert is important for determining government formation and for delivering federal services to the region.
Notable features and communities
- City of Townsville as the division’s urban centre.
- Coastal suburbs and port-related activity supporting the regional economy.
- Historically included more remote coastal and island communities up to the Torres Strait.
- Areas linked economically to mining service industries, tourism and defence facilities.
For official maps, past election results and current boundaries consult electoral commission resources or the relevant federal electoral division pages, which provide authoritative, up-to-date information on the Division of Herbert and its status within Queensland.
Questions and answers
Q: What is the Division of Herbert?
A: The Division of Herbert is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland.
Q: When was the Division of Herbert set up?
A: The Division of Herbert was set up for the first federal election in 1901.
Q: Who is the Division of Herbert named after?
A: The Division of Herbert is named after Sir Robert Herbert, the first Premier of Queensland (1859–1866).
Q: Where is the Division of Herbert located in Queensland?
A: The Division of Herbert is located in northern Queensland.
Q: What was the area of coverage for the Division of Herbert in 1901?
A: In 1901, the Division of Herbert covered an area from Mackay to the Torres Strait.
Q: What is the current area of coverage for the Division of Herbert?
A: Today, the Division of Herbert only covers an area around the city of Townsville.
Q: How long was Sir Robert Herbert the Premier of Queensland?
A: Sir Robert Herbert was the first Premier of Queensland for seven years, from 1859 to 1866.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Division of Herbert (Australian federal electoral division) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/27894
Sources
- aec.gov.au : "Profile of the electoral division of Herbert (Qld)"