Overview
The Division of St George was a federal electoral division in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Established at the 1949 redistribution, it returned a member to the Australian House of Representatives until its abolition in 1993. The division took its name from the St George area of southern Sydney and covered several inner and middle-distance suburbs during its existence.
Boundaries and composition
Boundaries of federal divisions are periodically redrawn by redistribution committees to reflect population change. Over time the Division of St George encompassed a mix of residential, commercial and light-industrial neighborhoods. Suburbs commonly associated with the division included:
- Hurstville
- Rockdale
- Arncliffe
History and development
The division was created as part of a post‑war expansion of the House of Representatives and the redistribution process that accompanies population growth and demographic shifts. Throughout its 44-year history the division's exact limits shifted with successive redistributions. Its abolition in 1993 resulted from another redistribution; much of its territory was incorporated into neighbouring divisions and into a reconfigured Division of Watson.
Role and significance
As with other electoral divisions, St George provided the basis for electing one Member of Parliament to represent local interests at the federal level. The area it covered was part of the broader suburban belt of Sydney whose electoral patterns have influenced both state and federal politics. Records of its elections and members contribute to the historical record of Australian electoral geography and political change.
Legacy and resources
Although the Division of St George no longer exists, its history is relevant to studies of redistributions, suburban development and representation in Australia. Historical maps, election results and member lists for the division are available through electoral archives and reference sources for those researching federal electoral history. For general context about electoral divisions and their administration see the Australian Electoral Division reference materials.