The federal electorate of Kingsford Smith, named after the pioneering aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, stretches from the coastal suburbs of Coogee to Botany Bay in the South, and takes in Sydney Airport, the industrial areas of Mascot, the University of NSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital in Kensington as well as Royal Randwick Racecourse.
The electorate is steeped in history. Captain Cook sailed into Botany Bay in 1770 to find the land occupied by Aboriginal people, the Cadigal. Their subsequent displacement, caused by European settlement and the introduction of smallpox following Cook’s initial visit, was a tragic part of modern Australia’s early history.
Since those times, Kingsford Smith has developed into a vital area with important institutions and industries at its heart. It is a striking part of Australia, renowned for its proximity to the city of Sydney and to the exquisite beaches and scenic headlands which comprise its coastline.
Successive waves of immigrants from a variety of backgrounds have contributed hugely to Kingsford Smith making it one of the most dynamic and diverse electorates of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Laurie Brereton announced his retirement in June 2004 and Peter Garrett won the seat at the 2004 federal election. The seat has been held continuously by the ALP since its proclamation in 1949.
- Peter Garrett 2004-
- Laurie Brereton 1990-2004
- Lionel Bowen 1969-1990
- D J Curtin 1955-1969
- G Anderson 1949-1955
It is bordered by federal electorates of:
