Division of Bennelong

The Division of Bennelong is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. The division was created in 1949 and is named for Bennelong, an Aboriginal man befriended by the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. Bennelong is based on the affluent North Shore area of Sydney, including the suburbs of Eastwood, Epping and Ryde, and has been held by the Liberal Party since its creation. In that time it has had only two members. The current member, John Howard, has held the seat for more than 30 years and has been Prime Minister of Australia since 1996.

Related Topics:
Australian Electoral Division - New South Wales - 1949 - Bennelong - Aboriginal - Governor of New South Wales - Arthur Phillip - Eastwood - Epping - Ryde - Liberal Party - John Howard - Prime Minister of Australia - 1996

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Interestingly, however, the two-party preferred vote for the Liberals actually declined by 3.4% in the 2004 election, contrary to a strong national trend to the coalition (and a particularly strong one to the Coalition in outer-suburban metropolitan seats). Demographic trends, and possibly the phenomenon of socially liberal middle-class "doctor's wives" becoming increasingly opposed to the social policies of the Coalition, are the likely causes of the swing. The seat may become a marginal one in future elections, particularly when Howard eventually retires.

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