TheDivision of Gwydirwas anAustralian electoral divisionin thestateofNew South Wales.The division was proclaimed in 1900, and was one of theoriginal 65 divisionsto be contested at thefirst federal election.As a result of theelectoral redistributionof 13 September 2006, Gwydir was abolished and ceased to exist at the2007 federal election.
| Gwydir AustralianHouse of RepresentativesDivision | |
|---|---|
| Created | 1901 |
| Abolished | 2007 |
| Namesake | Gwydir River |
Gwydir was named for theGwydir River(which in turn was named by the explorerAllan Cunninghamafter his patronPeter Burrell, Baron Gwydyr,who took his title fromGwydir CastleinWales). The division was located in western New South Wales, and at the time of its abolition included the towns ofBourke,Moree,MudgeeandBrewarrina.
The seat was a stronghold of theAustralian Workers' Union,and until the 1940s was one of the few country seats where theAustralian Labor Partyusually did well. It was in Labor hands for all but six terms from 1903 to 1949. However, it was held by theNational Partyfrom 1949 onward, and from the mid-1970s onward it was usually fairly safe for that party.
Its last Labor member,William Scully,was a Cabinet minister in theBen Chifleygovernment. The final member,John Anderson,was Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister in theHowardGovernment until he resigned the position.
Gwydir was held by two deputy leaders of the National Party, Anderson and his predecessor in Gwydir, Ralph Hunt.
In September 2006 the New South Wales redistribution commissioners decided to abolish Gwydir. The abolition took effect at the2007 federal election.Most of the division became part of theDivision of Parkes,while some towns in theUpper Hunter Shire(mainlyScone,Aberdeen,MerriwaandMurrurundi) were absorbed into theDivision of Hunter.
Members
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Election results
editReferences
edit- Psephos: Adam Carr's Election Archive
- The Poll Bludger
- ABC Elections
- Australian Electoral Commission