Division of Parkes facts for kids

This page is about the current federal electorate. For the previous electorate, see Division of Parkes (1901–69).

Quick facts for kids Parkes Australian House of Representatives Division
Division of Parkes (green) within New South Wales
Created	1984
MP	Mark Coulton
Party	National
Namesake	Sir Henry Parkes
Electors	101,903 (2013)
Area	256,643 km² (99,090.4 sq mi)
Demographic	Rural

Henry Parkes

The Division of Parkes is an Australian electoral division in the state of New South Wales. It is the largest electorate in the state. It is located in the far north of the state, next to the border with Queensland. It is named after Sir Henry Parkes, seventh Premier of New South Wales and sometimes known as the 'Father of Federation'. It was set up in 1984.

It includes the towns of Dubbo. It also includes the towns of Mudgee, Dunedoo, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Walgett, Narrabri, Moree, Warren, Nyngan, Cobar and Bourke. The division does not include the town of Parkes.

This is the second Division of Parkes. The first Division of Parkes (1901-69) was in suburban Sydney.

Members

	Party	Term
Michael Cobb	National	1984–1998
Tony Lawler	National	1998–2001
John Cobb	National	2001–2007
Mark Coulton	National	2007–present

Michael Cobb was found guilty of fraud in 1998. He claimed money for staying in hotels, but he was actually seeping in his car. John Cobb was Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and later Community Services in the Howard government. In the 2007 election Cobb moved to the Division of Calare.

Since the 2013 election, Parkes is the safest seat in Australia. It would need more votes than any other seat to change to another political party.

Election results

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