Division of Batman

The Division of Batman is an Australian Electoral Division in Victoria. The division was created in 1906 (it was formerly called Northern Melbourne), and is named for John Batman, one of the founders of the city of Melbourne. When it was created it covered the inner suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy, but successive boundary changes have moved it steadily northwards. Today it includes Northcote, Preston, Reservoir and Thornbury. On these boundaries it is one of the safest seats in Australia for the Australian Labor Party. Its most notable member has been Brian Howe, who was Deputy Prime Minister in the Hawke and Keating governments.

Members

• Jabez Coon (Protectionist, Liberal) 1906–10
• Henry Beard (ALP) 1910–11
• Hon Frank Brennan (ALP) 1911–31
• Samuel Dennis (UAP) 1931–34
• Hon Frank Brennan (ALP) 1934–49
• Alan Bird (ALP) 1949–62
• Sam Benson (ALP, Independent) 1962–69
• Horace Garrick (ALP) 1969–77
• Hon Brian Howe (ALP) 1977–96
• Martin Ferguson (ALP) 1996-