This was the first direct election by voters in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for their power legislative body.

Candidates were elected to fill seats using modified d'Hondt electoral system[1] for a multi-member single (at-large) constituency.

However, Labor, with the largest representation in the 17-member unicameral Assembly, formed Government with the support of various non-aligned minor parties.

The Territory was carved out of the state of New South Wales to make way for the site of the capital of Australia.

The main elected representative body of the ACT was the Australian Capital Territory House of Assembly that sat from 1975 to 1986.

This House served primarily as an advisory body, with most legislative powers managed by the Federal Minister for the Territories, under section 122 of the Australian Constitution.

[5] In an advisory referendum held in 1978, voters in the ACT rejected a proposal for self-government, with 63% voting in favour of the proposition that the 'present arrangements for governing the Australian capital should continue for the time being'.

[13] Other candidates and parties that polled well, but failed to achieve a quota included Fair Elections Coalition (5.5%), John Haslem (4.8%), The A.C.T.