**Electoral results for the district of Phillip**
**Definition:**
The electoral results for the district of Phillip refer to the documented outcomes of elections held in the electoral district of Phillip, a former electoral division in the Australian state of New South Wales. These results detail the voting patterns, winning candidates, party representation, and electoral changes over the district’s existence.
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# Electoral Results for the District of Phillip
The electoral district of Phillip was a constituency of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in Australia. Established in 1904 and abolished in 1981, the district was named after Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales. Over its existence, Phillip underwent several boundary redistributions and changes in its political landscape, reflecting broader shifts in New South Wales politics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the electoral results for the district of Phillip, highlighting key elections, political trends, and notable representatives.
## History of the Electoral District of Phillip
The district of Phillip was created as part of the 1904 redistribution following the abolition of multi-member constituencies in New South Wales. It was located in the inner western suburbs of Sydney, encompassing areas that experienced significant demographic and socio-economic changes throughout the 20th century. The district was abolished in 1981, with its territory largely absorbed into neighboring districts.
Throughout its existence, Phillip was represented by members from various political parties, including the Australian Labor Party (ALP), the Liberal Party, and occasionally independent candidates. The district’s electoral results provide insight into the political dynamics of inner Sydney and the shifting allegiances of its electorate.
## Electoral System and Voting Method
Elections in the district of Phillip were conducted under the New South Wales Legislative Assembly’s voting system, which evolved over time. Initially, the first-past-the-post system was used, but from 1920 onwards, proportional representation was introduced for a period, before returning to single-member constituencies with optional preferential voting. These changes influenced electoral outcomes and party strategies within the district.
## Overview of Electoral Results
### Early Elections (1904–1920)
The first election for Phillip was held in 1904. Early results showed a competitive political environment, with the district often contested between the Australian Labor Party and various conservative parties, including the Liberal Reform Party and later the Nationalist Party.
– **1904 Election:** The inaugural election saw a close contest, with the Labor candidate securing the seat amid a fragmented conservative vote.
– **Subsequent Elections:** Labor maintained a strong presence, reflecting the working-class demographics of the district, though conservative candidates occasionally won or came close.
### Proportional Representation Period (1920–1927)
Between 1920 and 1927, New South Wales adopted a proportional representation system with multi-member districts. During this period, Phillip was merged into a larger electorate, and its individual results were subsumed under the broader district outcomes. This system allowed for more diverse representation, including minor parties and independents.
### Return to Single-Member Districts (1927–1981)
After 1927, the district of Phillip was re-established as a single-member constituency. The electoral results during this period reflected the dominance of the Australian Labor Party, particularly during the mid-20th century, when Labor held the seat for extended periods.
– **Post-War Elections:** Labor’s hold on Phillip strengthened, coinciding with the party’s broader popularity in urban Sydney.
– **Liberal Challenges:** The Liberal Party mounted several challenges, occasionally narrowing margins but rarely winning the seat.
– **Notable Representatives:** Several members for Phillip went on to hold significant positions within the New South Wales Parliament, contributing to state policy and governance.
### Final Elections and Abolition (1970s–1981)
In the 1970s, demographic shifts and electoral redistributions began to alter the political landscape of Phillip. The district was abolished in 1981, with its areas redistributed to neighboring electorates.
– **1978 Election:** The last election for Phillip saw a competitive race, with Labor retaining the seat but with a reduced majority.
– **Abolition:** The 1981 redistribution dissolved Phillip, reflecting changes in population and urban development.
## Detailed Election Results by Decade
### 1900s
– **1904:** Labor victory; marked the beginning of Labor’s influence.
– **1907 & 1910:** Labor maintained the seat, consolidating support.
### 1910s
– **1913 & 1917:** Labor continued dominance despite World War I political tensions.
– **1917:** The conscription debate affected party alignments but did not unseat Labor in Phillip.
### 1920s
– **1920–1927:** Proportional representation period; Phillip merged into larger districts.
– **1927:** Re-establishment of Phillip as a single-member district; Labor regained the seat.
### 1930s
– **1930 & 1932:** Labor held the seat during the Great Depression, though with fluctuating margins.
– **1935 & 1938:** Labor’s position remained strong despite economic challenges.
### 1940s
– **1941 & 1944:** Labor victories aligned with wartime and post-war political stability.
– **1947:** Labor’s continued dominance reflected the district’s working-class base.
### 1950s
– **1950–1959:** Labor maintained control, though the Liberal Party increased its vote share in some elections.
### 1960s
– **1962 & 1965:** Labor victories with comfortable margins.
– **1968:** Slight reduction in Labor’s majority, indicating emerging political competition.
### 1970s
– **1971 & 1973:** Labor retained the seat amid shifting political attitudes.
– **1976 & 1978:** Labor’s hold weakened but remained intact.
– **1981:** District abolished; no election held.
## Political Significance
The electoral results for Phillip illustrate the broader political trends in New South Wales, particularly the strength of the Australian Labor Party in inner Sydney suburbs during much of the 20th century. The district’s voting patterns reflected socio-economic factors, including the working-class composition and urban development.
Phillip’s electoral history also demonstrates the impact of electoral system changes, such as the introduction and later removal of proportional representation, on party representation and voter behavior.
## Conclusion
The district of Phillip played a notable role in New South Wales politics from 1904 to 1981. Its electoral results provide valuable insights into the political evolution of Sydney’s inner west and the dynamics of state elections. While the district no longer exists, its electoral legacy contributes to the understanding of historical voting patterns and party politics in New South Wales.
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**Meta Description:**
This article details the electoral results for the district of Phillip, a former New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate, highlighting its political history, election outcomes, and party representation from 1904 to 1981.