According to the 2011 census, approximately 78 per cent of the population within the division identify as Christian,[2] more than any other electorate in Australia at that time.[3]
The 2015 redistribution resulted in Parkes expanded westwards to cover the state's Far West, including Broken Hill.[4] The seat previously lost this area to the Division of Farrer in the 2006 redistribution.[5]
Boundaries
Since 1984, federal electoral division boundaries in Australia have been determined at redistributions by a redistribution committee appointed by the Australian Electoral Commission. Redistributions occur for the boundaries of divisions in a particular state, and they occur every seven years, or sooner if a state's representation entitlement changes or when divisions of a state are malapportioned.[6]