Definition
The Division of Berowra is a federal electoral division in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is represented in the Australian House of Representatives and elects one member by preferential voting.
Overview
Created in the 1998 redistribution, the Division of Berowra covers a largely suburban and semi‑rural area north of Sydney, extending from the Northern Beaches through the Upper North Shore to parts of the Hills District. The division has been held continuously by the Liberal Party since its inception. As of the 2022 federal election, the member for Berowra is Julian Leeser.
Etymology/Origin
The division is named after the suburb of Berowra, a locality in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney. The name “Berowra” is derived from the local Aboriginal word Bera meaning “place of many shells” or “place of the water rats,” reflecting the area's Indigenous heritage.
Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Geographic Scope | Includes suburbs such as Hornsby, Wahroonga, Pennant Hills, St Ives, and the western parts of Northern Beaches. The area features a mix of residential zones, national parks (e.g., Ku-ring-gai Chase, Berowra Valley), and commercial centres. |
| Population | According to the Australian Electoral Commission, the division had approximately 112,000 enrolled voters at the 2022 election, reflecting a relatively affluent demographic with high rates of home ownership and tertiary education. |
| Economic Profile | Predominantly service‑based economy with significant employment in professional, scientific, and technical services. The area also hosts a number of small‑to‑medium enterprises and retail precincts. |
| Political Landscape | Historically a safe Liberal seat; the Liberal Party has secured a majority of the two‑party‑preferred vote in every election since the division’s creation. Minor parties and independents have occasionally achieved notable primary‑vote percentages, but have not altered the overall outcome. |
| Infrastructure | Well‑served by transport networks, including the Main North railway line, the Pacific Motorway, and several bus routes. Educational institutions range from public primary and secondary schools to private colleges. Health services are provided by nearby hospitals such as Hornsby and the Northern Beaches Hospital. |
Related Topics
- Australian House of Representatives – the lower house of the federal Parliament to which the division elects a member.
- Electoral divisions of New South Wales – the full list of federal constituencies within the state.
- Australian electoral system – the preferential voting system used to elect members of the House of Representatives.
- Julian Leeser – current member for Berowra and former Minister for Industry, Science and Technology (2022–2023).
- Berowra, New South Wales – the suburb after which the division is named, noted for its natural reserves and historic railway station.