In September 1997, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government established an independent Constituency Commission under terms of the Electoral Act 1997. This was the first commission established on a statutory basis, with its terms of reference defined in the legislation.
In September 1997, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government created an independent Constituency Commission as per the provisions of the Electoral Act 1997. This marked the first commission established under statutory authority, with its responsibilities clearly outlined in the law.