The 1979 Australian Capital Territory election was held on 2 June 1979 to elect all 18 members of the House of Assembly, the main elected representative body of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This was the first election for the House after it had been renamed from Legislative Assembly.
The election saw a swing of 15% towards the Labor Party, while the conservative Family Team won its first seat. The Australian Democrats also contested for the first time, winning two seats.
Background As preparations were still being made for the granting of self-government to the ACT, the House served a largely advisory role, with most powers over the ACT still lying in the hands of the relevant federal minister through the life of the Assembly.
Nine members were elected by single transferable vote proportional representation from each of the ACT's two federal House of Representatives divisions, making 18 in total. Independent members who vacated mid-term were replaced by recounting their original votes to their next preferences to choose a runner-up. Members endorsed by a political party were replaced by a nominee of that party.
Results Vote totals
+ House of Assembly (STV/PR) Party Votes % Swing Seats Change Labor 37.4 +15.2 8 4 Liberal 18.5 –12.3 4 3 Democrats 6.5 +6.5 2 2 Family Team 1 1 Unemployed Workers Union 0 Independents 3 1 Formal votes 90.0 –2.0 Informal votes 10.0 +7.0 Total 100.0 Registered voters / turnout 90.0 –2.0
Distribution of seats
Electorate Seats held Canberra Fraser
Labor Liberal Democrats Family Team Independent
References