**Electoral results for the Division of Bendigo**
**Definition:**
The electoral results for the Division of Bendigo encompass the historical voting outcomes and statistical data for federal elections held in the Australian House of Representatives seat of Bendigo. This division, located in the state of Victoria, has been contested since its creation in 1901, reflecting the political trends and voter preferences within the region over time.
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# Electoral Results for the Division of Bendigo
The Division of Bendigo is an Australian Electoral Division in the state of Victoria. Established in 1901, it is one of the original 65 divisions contested at the first federal election. The division covers the regional city of Bendigo and surrounding areas, and its electoral results provide insight into the political landscape of this part of Victoria. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the electoral outcomes for the Division of Bendigo, detailing the results of federal elections from its inception to the present day.
## Overview of the Division of Bendigo
The Division of Bendigo is named after the regional city of Bendigo, a significant urban center in central Victoria. The division has undergone various boundary redistributions over the years, which have influenced its demographic composition and, consequently, its voting patterns. Historically, Bendigo has been considered a marginal seat, with representation alternating primarily between the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal Party of Australia, often reflecting broader national political trends.
## Historical Context
Since its establishment in 1901, the Division of Bendigo has been represented by members from multiple political parties, including the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal Party, the Nationalist Party, and the Country Party. The seat has experienced periods of stability and volatility, with some members serving multiple terms and others holding the seat for only a single term. The division’s electoral results have mirrored shifts in Australian politics, including the rise of the Labor movement, the consolidation of conservative parties, and the emergence of minor parties and independents.
## Electoral System
Federal elections for the House of Representatives in Australia use a preferential voting system, also known as instant-runoff voting. Voters rank candidates in order of preference, and if no candidate achieves an absolute majority of first-preference votes, preferences are distributed until a candidate secures a majority. This system has influenced the electoral outcomes in Bendigo, often resulting in close contests and the importance of preference flows from minor parties and independents.
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## Electoral Results by Decade
The following sections provide detailed summaries of electoral results for the Division of Bendigo, organized by decade. Each section highlights key elections, notable candidates, and significant shifts in voter behavior.
### 1900s
The first federal election in 1901 saw the Division of Bendigo contested by candidates from the Protectionist Party, the Free Trade Party, and the emerging Labor Party. The seat was initially won by a Protectionist candidate, reflecting the early political divisions in Australia. Throughout the decade, the seat alternated between Protectionist and Labor representatives, with the Labor Party gradually increasing its vote share.
### 1910s
The 1910s were marked by the consolidation of the Labor Party as a major political force. Bendigo elected Labor members in several elections during this period, coinciding with the party’s national rise to government. The impact of World War I and conscription debates influenced voter sentiment, leading to fluctuating support for the major parties.
### 1920s
The 1920s saw the emergence of the Nationalist Party and the Country Party as significant players in Australian politics. Bendigo’s electoral results reflected these changes, with contests often involving multiple conservative candidates alongside Labor. The decade was characterized by close contests and occasional swings between Labor and conservative representatives.
### 1930s
The Great Depression had a profound impact on Australian politics, and Bendigo was no exception. The 1930s elections saw increased support for the Labor Party, which campaigned on economic recovery and social welfare policies. However, the seat remained competitive, with conservative parties regaining ground in some elections.
### 1940s
World War II and its aftermath shaped the political landscape of the 1940s. Bendigo voters supported candidates who emphasized national security and post-war reconstruction. The Labor Party maintained a strong presence, but the Liberal Party, formed in 1944, began to challenge Labor’s dominance in the division.
### 1950s
The 1950s were a period of relative stability in Bendigo’s electoral results. The Liberal Party and Labor alternated in holding the seat, with elections often decided by narrow margins. The influence of Cold War politics and domestic economic growth were reflected in voter preferences.
### 1960s
During the 1960s, Bendigo continued to be a marginal seat. The decade saw increased voter engagement and the rise of minor parties, although the major parties remained dominant. Electoral results indicated a balance between urban and rural interests within the division.
### 1970s
The 1970s were marked by political upheaval nationally, including the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975. Bendigo’s electoral results mirrored these national events, with swings between Labor and Liberal candidates. The decade also saw the emergence of environmental and social issues influencing voter behavior.
### 1980s
The 1980s brought economic reform and social change to Australia. Bendigo’s elections reflected these trends, with Labor consolidating support during the Hawke government era. The Liberal Party remained competitive, and minor parties occasionally influenced preference flows.
### 1990s
The 1990s were characterized by economic challenges and political realignments. Bendigo’s electoral results showed continued competition between Labor and Liberal candidates, with the division remaining a key marginal seat. The rise of the Australian Democrats and other minor parties affected preference distributions.
### 2000s
In the 2000s, Bendigo experienced demographic changes that influenced electoral outcomes. The division remained competitive, with Labor and Liberal candidates vying for the seat. National issues such as immigration, economic management, and security shaped voter preferences.
### 2010s
The 2010s saw Bendigo continue as a marginal seat, with close contests in federal elections. The division reflected broader national trends, including debates over climate change, economic policy, and social issues. Minor parties and independents occasionally played a role in preference flows.
### 2020s
The most recent elections in the 2020s have continued to demonstrate Bendigo’s status as a competitive seat. Issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and regional development have influenced voter behavior. The division remains a focus for both major parties in federal elections.
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## Notable Members for Bendigo
Several members who have represented Bendigo have had significant political careers, contributing to both local and national politics. Notable representatives include:
– **Alfred Hampson (Labor, 1913–1917):** An early Labor member who served during a formative period for the party.
– **John Brumby (Labor, 1983–1990):** Later Premier of Victoria, Brumby’s tenure in Bendigo marked a significant phase in his political career.
– **Steve Gibbons (Labor, 1998–2013):** Served multiple terms and was known for his advocacy on regional issues.
– **Lisa Chesters (Labor, 2013–present):** The current member, representing the division with a focus on social and economic development.
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## Voting Patterns and Trends
The Division of Bendigo has historically been a bellwether seat, often reflecting the national political climate. Its voting patterns demonstrate:
– **Marginality:** Bendigo is considered a marginal seat, with frequent changes in party representation.
– **Preference Flows:** The preferential voting system means that minor parties and independents can influence outcomes through preference distributions.
– **Demographic Influence:** Changes in population, industry, and urbanization have affected electoral results.
– **Party Competition:** The primary contest is typically between the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party, with occasional influence from the National Party and minor parties.
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## Election Data Summary
While detailed election results for each federal election are extensive, key data points include:
– **First Preference Votes:** The initial count of votes for each candidate.
– **Two-Party Preferred (2PP) Vote:** The final count after preferences are distributed, indicating the contest between the two major parties.
– **Swing:** The percentage change in votes compared to the previous election, indicating shifts in voter sentiment.
– **Turnout:** The percentage of enrolled voters who cast a ballot.
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## Conclusion
The electoral results for the Division of Bendigo provide a rich historical record of political change and continuity in regional Victoria. As a marginal seat, Bendigo has been a focal point for political parties seeking to secure representation in the Australian House of Representatives. Its voting patterns reflect broader national trends, demographic shifts, and the evolving priorities of its constituents. Understanding these results offers valuable insights into Australian federal electoral dynamics and the political history of the Bendigo region.
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**Meta Description:**
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the electoral results for the Division of Bendigo, detailing federal election outcomes from 1901 to the present and highlighting key political trends in this Victorian electoral division.