1974 Australian Capital Territory election

The 1974 Australian Capital Territory election was held on 28 September 1974 to elect all 18 members of the Legislative Assembly, the main elected representative body of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This was the first election for the Assembly, replacing the Advisory Council, although elected members did not start sitting until 1975.

1974 Australian Capital Territory election

28 September 1974
Turnout	92.0%
First party Second party Third party   AUS Leader Jim Leedman Gordon Walsh Ivor Vivian Party Liberal Labor Australia Leader's seat Canberra (won seat) Canberra (won seat) Fraser (won seat) Seats won 7 4 1 Percentage 30.8% 22.2% 4.6% Swing 17.3 6.0

The election saw a swing of almost 20% towards the Liberal Party, while Labor lost around 6% of its vote compared to the 1970 Advisory Council election.

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

Legislative Assembly (STV/PR)

Party			Votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
	Liberal			30.8	+17.3	7
	Labor			22.2	−6.0	4
	Australia			4.6		2
	ACT Women Voters					0
	Independents					5
Formal votes				93.0
Informal votes				7.0
Total				100.0
Registered voters / turnout				92.0

Distribution of seats

Electorate	Seats held
Canberra
Fraser

	Labor
	Liberal
	Australia
	Independent

See also

• 1974 ACT Liberal Party leadership election