# Results of the 1981 New South Wales state election (Legislative Assembly)

New South Wales state election, 19 September 1981  Legislative Assembly
<< 1978–1984 >> :
| Enrolled voters | Enrolled voters | 3,178,225 | | | | |
| Votes cast | Votes cast | 2,897,033 | | Turnout | 91.15 | –1.62 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | 89,306 | | Informal | 3.08 | +0.80 |
| Summary of votes by party |||||||
| Party | Party | Primary votes | % | Swing | Seats | Change |
| | Labor | 1,564,622 | 55.73 | –2.04 | 69 | + 6 |
| | Liberal | 775,463 | 27.62 | +0.64 | 14 | – 4 |
| | National Country | 314,841 | 11.21 | +1.31 | 14 | – 3 |
| | Democrats | 68,252 | 2.43 | –0.22 | 0 | ± 0 |
| | Communist | 6,150 | 0.22 | –0.08 | 0 | ± 0 |
| | Independent | 78,399 | 2.79 | +0.55 | 2 | + 1 |
| Total | Total | 2,807,727 | | | 99 | |
| Two-party-preferred |||||||
| | Labor | | 58.7% | -2.0% | | |
| | Liberal/National | | 41.3% | +2.0% | | |
The 1981 New South Wales state election involved 99 electoral districts returning one member each. The election was conducted on the basis of optional preferential voting system. There was a significant change from the 1978 election as a result of the passage of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections (Amendment) Act 1979, and the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1979. The effect of these Acts was to end the electoral malapportionment requiring that the number of electors within each electoral district be within 10%. Under the previous zoning system, a seat in the "central area" had a quota of 34,067, but could be as high as 40,880 while a "country area" seat had a quota of 26,016 but could be as low as 20,813. The effect of the 1980 redistribution was to create 6 new seats in Sydney Newcastle and Wollongong and abolishing 6 country seats.

## Results by Electoral district
### Albury

1981 New South Wales state election: Albury :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Harold Mair | 15,850 | 55.3 | +7.1 |
| | Liberal | Brian Moriarty | 12,833 | 44.7 | +5.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,683 | 98.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 466 | 1.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,149 | 90.1 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +7.6 | |

### Ashfield

1981 New South Wales state election: Ashfield :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Paul Whelan | 17,449 | 65.5 | -2.7 |
| | Liberal | George Dryden | 8,078 | 30.3 | -1.6 |
| | Democrats | Albert Jarman | 1,095 | 4.1 | +4.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,622 | 95.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,338 | 4.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,960 | 88.1 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Paul Whelan | 17,559 | 68.2 | +0.1 |
| | Liberal | George Dryden | 8,178 | 31.8 | -0.1 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +0.1 | |

### Auburn

1981 New South Wales state election: Auburn :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Peter Cox | 18,537 | 70.3 | -3.2 |
| | Liberal | David Lynam | 7,840 | 29.7 | +5.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,377 | 95.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,262 | 4.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,639 | 91.4 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -4.8 | |

### Balmain

1981 New South Wales state election: Balmain :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Roger Degen | 14,444 | 59.2 | -15.1 |
| | Liberal | Dianne Street | 3,553 | 14.6 | +0.3 |
| | Independent | Douglas Spedding | 3,162 | 13.0 | +13.0 |
| | Democrats | Franco Paisio | 1,712 | 7.0 | +7.0 |
| | Communist | Denis Freney | 849 | 3.5 | -0.5 |
| | Socialist | James Donovan | 676 | 2.8 | +2.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 24,396 | 95.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,167 | 4.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 25,563 | 86.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Roger Degen | 19,044 | 81.0 | -3.2 |
| | Liberal | Dianne Street | 4,453 | 18.9 | +3.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -3.2 | |

### Bankstown

1981 New South Wales state election: Bankstown :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ric Mochalski | 18,754 | 64.9 | -8.1 |
| | Liberal | James McDonald | 8,634 | 29.9 | +9.2 |
| | Independent | Donna Hoban | 1,513 | 5.2 | +5.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,901 | 95.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,266 | 4.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,167 | 92.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Ric Mochalski | 19,530 | 68.7 | -7.1 |
| | Liberal | James McDonald | 8,900 | 31.3 | +7.1 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -7.1 | |

### Barwon

1981 New South Wales state election: Barwon :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Wal Murray | 19,571 | 63.2 | +4.9 |
| | Labor | Richard Emerson | 11,389 | 36.8 | -4.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,960 | 98.1 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 595 | 1.9 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,555 | 90.5 | |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | +4.9 | |

### Bass Hill

1981 New South Wales state election: Bass Hill :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Neville Wran | 22,567 | 75.7 | -2.8 |
| | Liberal | Paul Jones | 7,263 | 24.3 | +5.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,830 | 96.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,037 | 3.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,867 | 93.6 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -4.0 | |

### Bathurst

1981 New South Wales state election: Bathurst :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Mick Clough | 15,865 | 50.1 | -7.6 |
| | National Country | Clive Osborne | 15,834 | 49.9 | +7.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,699 | 98.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 630 | 2.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,329 | 93.7 | |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -7.6 | |
The sitting member was Clive Osborne (National Country), however Bathurst had become notionally held by Labor due to the redistribution.

### Blacktown

1981 New South Wales state election: Blacktown :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | John Aquilina | 20,777 | 73.1 | 0.0 |
| | Liberal | David Bannerman | 7,644 | 26.9 | +8.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,421 | 95.9 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,225 | 4.1 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,646 | 92.4 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -6.0 | |

### Bligh

1981 New South Wales state election: Bligh :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Fred Miller | 11,807 | 47.6 | |
| | Liberal | John Barraclough | 10,997 | 44.3 | |
| | Democrats | Joseph Zingarelli | 1,050 | 4.2 | |
| | Independent | George Warnecke | 966 | 3.9 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 24,820 | 96.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 977 | 3.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 25,797 | 82.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Fred Miller | 12,876 | 52.7 | -3.9 |
| | Liberal | John Barraclough | 11,561 | 47.3 | +3.9 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -3.9 | |
The sitting member was John Barraclough (Liberal), however Bligh had become notionally held by Labor due to the redistribution.

### Blue Mountains

1981 New South Wales state election: Blue Mountains :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Bob Debus | 18,682 | 58.4 | -3.5 |
| | Liberal | Reg Gillard | 12,637 | 39.5 | +39.5 |
| | Independent | Harry Marsh | 696 | 2.2 | +2.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 32,015 | 97.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 784 | 2.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,799 | 91.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Bob Debus | 18,782 | 59.6 | -0.5 |
| | Liberal | Reg Gillard | 12,737 | 40.4 | +40.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -0.5 | |

### Broken Hill

1981 New South Wales state election: Broken Hill :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Labor | Bill Beckroge | 17,041 | 69.0 |
| | National Country | George Gleeson | 7,647 | 31.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 24,688 | 96.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 779 | 3.1 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 25,467 | 88.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -3.0 |

### Burrinjuck

1981 New South Wales state election: Burrinjuck :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Terry Sheahan | 17,709 | 55.6 | -4.0 |
| | National Country | John Harvey | 13,190 | 41.4 | +1.0 |
| | Democrats | Scott Milne | 939 | 3.0 | +3.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,838 | 98.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 420 | 1.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,258 | 94.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Terry Sheahan | 17,804 | 57.2 | -2.4 |
| | National Country | John Harvey | 13,299 | 42.8 | +2.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.4 | |

### Burwood

1981 New South Wales state election: Burwood :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Phil O'Neill | 14,976 | 55.2 | +5.5 |
| | Liberal | Bruce MacCarthy | 11,334 | 41.8 | -4.9 |
| | Democrats | Stephen Kirkham | 834 | 3.1 | -0.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,144 | 96.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 970 | 3.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,114 | 90.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Phil O'Neill | 15,076 | 56.9 | +2.2 |
| | Liberal | Bruce MacCarthy | 11,434 | 43.1 | -2.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +2.2 | |

### Byron

1981 New South Wales state election: Byron :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Jack Boyd | 15,855 | 52.2 | +2.0 |
| | Labor | Thomas Hogan | 13,334 | 43.9 | +1.3 |
| | Democrats | Kenneth Nicholson | 1,170 | 3.9 | -0.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,359 | 97.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 821 | 2.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,180 | 90.2 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | National Country | Jack Boyd | 15,955 | 54.3 | +0.7 |
| | Labor | Thomas Hogan | 13,434 | 45.7 | -0.7 |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | +0.7 | |

### Cabramatta

1981 New South Wales state election: Cabramatta :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Eric Bedford | 19,137 | 74.0 | -4.2 |
| | Liberal | Kerry Chikarovski | 6,725 | 26.0 | +4.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 25,862 | 95.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,367 | 5.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,229 | 89.9 | |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -4.2 | |

### Camden

1981 New South Wales state election: Camden :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ralph Brading | 14,478 | 47.4 | |
| | Liberal | Peter Reynolds | 13,975 | 45.7 | |
| | Democrats | Raymond Guy | 2,109 | 6.9 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,562 | 97.1 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 913 | 2.9 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,475 | 92.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Ralph Brading | 15,657 | 52.0 | -2.1 |
| | Liberal | Peter Reynolds | 14,457 | 48.0 | +2.1 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -2.1 | |

### Campbelltown

1981 New South Wales state election: Campbelltown :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Michael Knight | 16,599 | 52.7 | -14.9 |
| | Independent | Gordon Fetterplace | 12,836 | 40.7 | +40.7 |
| | Independent | William Dowsett | 1,546 | 4.9 | +4.9 |
| | Independent | William O'Donnell | 543 | 1.7 | +1.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,524 | 97.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 765 | 2.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,289 | 91.6 | |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Michael Knight | | 56.0 | -15.5 |
| | Independent | Gordon Fetterplace | | 44.0 | +44.0 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -15.5 | |

### Canterbury

1981 New South Wales state election: Canterbury :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Kevin Stewart | 21,681 | 78.6 | +4.6 |
| | Liberal | Colin Thew | 5,917 | 21.4 | -4.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,598 | 95.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,454 | 5.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,052 | 90.4 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +4.6 | |

### Castlereagh

1981 New South Wales state election: Castlereagh :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | National Country | Roger Wotton | 16,636 | 53.4 |
| | Labor | Jim Curran | 14,529 | 46.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,165 | 98.5 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 461 | 1.5 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,626 | 92.2 |
| | National Country notional hold | National Country notional hold | Swing | -0.9 |
The sitting member was Jim Curran (Labor), however Castlereagh had become notionally held by National Country due to the redistribution.

### Cessnock

1981 New South Wales state election: Cessnock :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Stan Neilly | 23,015 | 77.5 | -1.6 |
| | Liberal | James White | 5,406 | 18.2 | -2.7 |
| | Democrats | Gregory Mutton | 1,263 | 4.3 | +4.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,684 | 97.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 659 | 2.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,343 | 94.5 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Stan Neilly | 23,215 | 80.5 | +1.4 |
| | Liberal | James White | 5,606 | 19.5 | -1.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +1.4 | |

### Charlestown

1981 New South Wales state election: Charlestown :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Richard Face | 21,223 | 68.3 | +0.9 |
| | Liberal | Robert Cowley | 9,853 | 31.7 | -0.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,076 | 97.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 840 | 2.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,916 | 93.2 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +0.9 | |

### Clarence

1981 New South Wales state election: Clarence :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Labor | Don Day | 18,035 | 56.6 |
| | National Country | William Ralston | 13,807 | 43.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,842 | 98.7 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 412 | 1.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,254 | 92.9 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | +3.8 |
Clarence had become notionally held by Labor due to the redistribution and the sitting member Matt Singleton (National Country), successfully contested Coffs Harbour.

### Coffs Harbour

1981 New South Wales state election: Coffs Harbour :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Matt Singleton | 18,375 | 59.3 | -0.8 |
| | Labor | Joseph Moran | 12,626 | 40.7 | +0.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,001 | 98.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 561 | 1.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,562 | 91.0 | |
| | National Country notional hold | National Country notional hold | Swing | -0.8 | |
Coffs Harbour was a new district, notionally held by National Country. Matt Singleton (National Country) was the sitting member for Clarence which had become notionally held by Labor due to the redistribution.

### Coogee

1981 New South Wales state election: Coogee :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Michael Cleary | 16,668 | 64.3 | +0.9 |
| | Liberal | Kenneth Finn | 8,576 | 33.1 | +1.0 |
| | Independent | Michael Gluyas | 665 | 2.6 | +2.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 25,909 | 96.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 933 | 3.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 26,842 | 87.1 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Michael Cleary | 16,768 | 65.9 | -0.5 |
| | Liberal | Kenneth Finn | 8,676 | 34.1 | +0.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -0.5 | |

### Corrimal

1981 New South Wales state election: Corrimal :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Laurie Kelly | 20,874 | 70.0 | +2.2 |
| | Liberal | Colin Bruton | 6,574 | 22.1 | -3.1 |
| | Democrats | Questa Gill | 1,725 | 5.8 | -1.2 |
| | Independent | Carol Blond | 629 | 2.1 | +2.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,802 | 96.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 969 | 3.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,771 | 93.1 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Laurie Kelly | 21,074 | 75.7 | +3.2 |
| | Liberal | Colin Bruton | 6,774 | 24.3 | -3.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +3.2 | |

### Cronulla

1981 New South Wales state election: Cronulla :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Michael Egan | 15,406 | 55.3 | -3.3 |
| | Liberal | Stephen Mutch | 12,435 | 44.7 | +3.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,841 | 98.1 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 549 | 1.9 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,390 | 91.5 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -3.3 | |

### Davidson

1981 New South Wales state election: Davidson :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Terry Metherell | 16,498 | 57.8 | +0.4 |
| | Labor | Julie Sutton | 12,037 | 42.2 | -0.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,535 | 97.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 869 | 3.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,404 | 91.6 | |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +0.4 | |

### Drummoyne

1981 New South Wales state election: Drummoyne :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Michael Maher | 19,139 | 69.2 | +0.3 |
| | Liberal | Sarah Hewson | 6,635 | 24.0 | -7.1 |
| | Democrats | Peter Nelson | 1,869 | 6.8 | +6.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,643 | 96.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,137 | 4.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,780 | 91.6 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Michael Maher | 20,139 | 73.8 | +4.9 |
| | Liberal | Sarah Hewson | 7,135 | 26.2 | -4.9 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +4.9 | |

### Dubbo

1981 New South Wales state election: Dubbo :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Peter Morgan | 11,256 | 37.5 | -9.1 |
| | National Country | Gerry Peacocke | 10,972 | 36.5 | +36.5 |
| | Liberal | Eric Woods | 7,831 | 26.0 | -27.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,059 | 98.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 542 | 1.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,601 | 92.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | National Country | Gerry Peacocke | 17,494 | 59.2 | +59.2 |
| | Labor | Peter Morgan | 12,042 | 40.8 | -5.8 |
| | National Country gain from Liberal | National Country gain from Liberal | Swing | N/A | |

### Earlwood

1981 New South Wales state election: Earlwood :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ken Gabb | 17,265 | 60.7 | +0.6 |
| | Liberal | Shirley Watson | 10,404 | 36.6 | -1.2 |
| | Democrats | Paul Terrett | 756 | 2.7 | +2.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,435 | 96.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,022 | 3.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,457 | 92.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Ken Gabb | 17,465 | 62.2 | +0.6 |
| | Liberal | Shirley Watson | 10,614 | 37.8 | -0.6 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +0.6 | |

### East Hills

1981 New South Wales state election: East Hills :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Pat Rogan | 20,656 | 68.9 | -4.3 |
| | Liberal | Paul Brazier | 6,570 | 21.9 | -0.1 |
| | Democrats | Margaret Vitlin | 2,777 | 9.3 | +4.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,003 | 96.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 975 | 3.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,978 | 94.0 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Pat Rogan | 21,156 | 74.9 | -0.7 |
| | Liberal | Paul Brazier | 7,090 | 25.1 | +0.7 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -0.7 | |

### Eastwood

1981 New South Wales state election: Eastwood :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Jim Clough | 15,857 | 55.0 | +3.6 |
| | Labor | Jeff Shaw | 10,601 | 36.8 | -5.7 |
| | Democrats | Peter Chambers | 2,387 | 8.3 | +2.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,845 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 685 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,530 | 92.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Jim Clough | 16,857 | 59.7 | +5.2 |
| | Labor | Jeff Shaw | 11,401 | 40.3 | -5.2 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +5.2 | |

### Elizabeth

1981 New South Wales state election: Elizabeth :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Pat Hills | 18,563 | 77.0 | +4.6 |
| | Liberal | John Davison | 3,420 | 14.2 | -4.9 |
| | Communist | Aileen Beaver | 2,115 | 8.8 | +3.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 24,098 | 93.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,689 | 6.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 25,787 | 82.6 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Pat Hills | 20,063 | 84.7 | +3.3 |
| | Liberal | John Davison | 3,620 | 15.3 | -3.3 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | +3.3 | |

### Fairfield

1981 New South Wales state election: Fairfield :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Janice Crosio | 21,944 | 80.2 | +4.8 |
| | Liberal | Robert Goninon | 5,432 | 19.8 | +1.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,376 | 94.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,532 | 5.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,908 | 90.2 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +1.8 | |

### Georges River

1981 New South Wales state election: Georges River :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Frank Walker | 17,368 | 60.9 | -4.3 |
| | Liberal | Terence Morgan | 7,692 | 27.0 | -4.1 |
| | Independent | Phillip Gerlach | 2,162 | 7.6 | +7.6 |
| | Independent | Bruce Galloway | 775 | 2.7 | +2.7 |
| | Democrats | Wallace Burak | 418 | 1.5 | -2.2 |
| | Independent | Eric Stavely-Alexander | 106 | 0.4 | +0.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,521 | 97.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 752 | 2.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,273 | 93.5 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Frank Walker | 17,568 | 69.0 | +2.0 |
| | Liberal | Terence Morgan | 7,892 | 31.0 | -2.0 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +2.0 | |

### Gladesville

1981 New South Wales state election: Gladesville :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Rodney Cavalier | 16,381 | 57.2 | |
| | Liberal | Ivan Petch | 10,190 | 35.6 | |
| | Democrats | Robert Springett | 2,065 | 7.2 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,636 | 96.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 977 | 3.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,613 | 92.5 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Rodney Cavalier | 16,881 | 60.1 | -0.4 |
| | Liberal | Ivan Petch | 11,190 | 39.9 | +0.4 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -0.4 | |

### Gloucester

1981 New South Wales state election: Gloucester :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | National Country | Leon Punch | 19,261 | 60.2 |
| | Labor | John Eastman | 12,721 | 39.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,982 | 98.2 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 578 | 1.8 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,560 | 93.7 |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | -5.4 |

### Gordon

1981 New South Wales state election: Gordon :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Tim Moore | 20,594 | 72.1 | +2.9 |
| | Labor | George Doumanis | 5,862 | 20.5 | -3.4 |
| | Democrats | Ilse Robey | 2,087 | 7.3 | +0.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,543 | 97.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 631 | 2.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,174 | 90.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Tim Moore | 20,894 | 77.2 | +3.2 |
| | Labor | George Doumanis | 6,162 | 22.8 | -3.2 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +3.2 | |

### Gosford

1981 New South Wales state election: Gosford :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Brian McGowan | 17,066 | 51.5 | -5.9 |
| | Liberal | Andrew Fennell | 13,419 | 40.5 | +3.2 |
| | Democrats | Robert Bell | 1,474 | 4.5 | -0.4 |
| | Independent | Barry Phillips | 639 | 1.9 | +1.9 |
| | Independent | Paul Baker | 522 | 1.6 | +1.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 33,120 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 787 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 33,907 | 92.2 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Brian McGowan | 18,066 | 56.8 | -2.8 |
| | Liberal | Andrew Fennell | 13,719 | 43.2 | +2.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.8 | |

### Goulburn

1981 New South Wales state election: Goulburn :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | National Country | Ron Brewer | 14,999 | 51.8 |
| | Labor | Robert Stephens | 13,926 | 48.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,925 | 98.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 509 | 1.7 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,434 | 92.9 |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | -0.5 |

### Granville

1981 New South Wales state election: Granville :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Pat Flaherty | 19,188 | 72.0 | +0.6 |
| | Liberal | Florence Maio | 7,467 | 28.0 | +9.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,655 | 94.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,547 | 5.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,202 | 91.1 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -6.6 | |

### Hawkesbury

1981 New South Wales state election: Hawkesbury :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Kevin Rozzoli | 17,755 | 58.5 | |
| | Labor | Bennett Fienberg | 10,317 | 34.0 | |
| | Independent | John Whittington | 2,256 | 7.4 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,328 | 97.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 930 | 3.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,258 | 89.7 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Kevin Rozzoli | 18,254 | 62.8 | +4.2 |
| | Labor | Bennett Fienburg | 10,833 | 37.2 | -4.2 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +4.2 | |

### Heathcote

1981 New South Wales state election: Heathcote :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Rex Jackson | 18,771 | 67.3 | -5.1 |
| | Liberal | Ron Phillips | 6,609 | 23.7 | +1.7 |
| | Independent | Maree Jamieson | 1,310 | 4.7 | +4.7 |
| | Democrats | Warren Evans | 1,202 | 4.3 | -1.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,892 | 97.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 714 | 2.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,606 | 93.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Rex Jackson | 19,271 | 73.1 | -2.1 |
| | Liberal | Ron Phillips | 7,109 | 26.9 | +2.1 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.1 | |

### Heffron

1981 New South Wales state election: Heffron :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Laurie Brereton | 20,938 | 77.5 | -2.5 |
| | Liberal | Carolyn O'Connor | 6,094 | 22.5 | +2.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,032 | 94.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,470 | 5.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,502 | 90.0 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.5 | |

### Hornsby

1981 New South Wales state election: Hornsby :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Neil Pickard | 15,814 | 51.5 | |
| | Labor | Christopher Gorrick | 13,507 | 44.0 | |
| | Democrats | John Haydon | 996 | 3.2 | |
| | Independent | Timothy Daly | 381 | 1.2 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,698 | 97.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 845 | 2.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 31,543 | 92.9 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Neil Pickard | 16,314 | 53.8 | +5.5 |
| | Labor | Christopher Gorrick | 14,007 | 46.2 | -5.5 |
| | Liberal notional gain from Labor | Liberal notional gain from Labor | Swing | +5.5 | |
The sitting member was Neil Pickard (Liberal), however Hornsby had become notionally held by Labor due to the redistribution.

### Hurstville

1981 New South Wales state election: Hurstville :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Kevin Ryan | 16,053 | 57.3 | -6.4 |
| | Liberal | Frederick Harvison | 10,990 | 39.2 | +2.9 |
| | Democrats | Frank Low | 982 | 3.5 | +3.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,025 | 97.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 749 | 2.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,774 | 91.7 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Kevin Ryan | 16,353 | 59.2 | -4.5 |
| | Liberal | Frederick Harvison | 11,290 | 40.8 | +4.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -4.5 | |

### Illawarra

1981 New South Wales state election: Illawarra :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | George Petersen | 20,094 | 69.1 | +0.6 |
| | Liberal | Mervyn Lucke | 4,574 | 15.7 | -2.0 |
| | Democrats | James Kay | 2,234 | 7.7 | -6.1 |
| | Independent | Susan Sallans | 2,193 | 7.5 | +7.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,095 | 95.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,544 | 5.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,639 | 93.1 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | George Petersen | 21,787 | 79.6 | +1.4 |
| | Liberal | Mervyn Lucke | 5,587 | 20.4 | -1.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +1.4 | |

### Ingleburn

1981 New South Wales state election: Ingleburn :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Stan Knowles | 17,173 | 64.3 | -7.7 |
| | Liberal | Gary Lucas | 9,548 | 35.7 | +7.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,721 | 95.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,354 | 4.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,075 | 89.9 | |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -7.7 | |

### Kiama

1981 New South Wales state election: Kiama :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Labor | Bill Knott | 17,951 | 59.9 |
| | Liberal | James Chittick | 11,995 | 40.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,946 | 97.1 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 906 | 2.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,852 | 92.1 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -2.1 |

### Kogarah

1981 New South Wales state election: Kogarah :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Bill Crabtree | 18,022 | 63.0 | -4.9 |
| | Liberal | Patrick O'Brien | 9,198 | 32.2 | +0.1 |
| | Democrats | Albert Ost | 1,374 | 4.8 | +4.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,594 | 97.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 816 | 2.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,410 | 91.9 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Bill Crabtree | 18,644 | 66.2 | -1.7 |
| | Liberal | Patrick O'Brien | 9,498 | 33.8 | +1.7 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -1.7 | |

### Ku-ring-gai

1981 New South Wales state election: Ku-ring-gai :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Nick Greiner | 19,750 | 66.6 | +1.1 |
| | Labor | Ian Cameron | 6,970 | 23.5 | -11.0 |
| | Democrats | Pamela Tuckwell | 2,954 | 9.9 | +9.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,674 | 97.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 764 | 2.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,438 | 90.7 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Nick Greiner | 20,550 | 70.8 | +5.3 |
| | Labor | Ian Cameron | 8,470 | 29.2 | -5.3 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +5.3 | |

### Lachlan

1981 New South Wales state election: Lachlan :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Ian Armstrong | 16,538 | 58.7 | +3.8 |
| | Labor | Timothy West | 11,642 | 41.3 | -3.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,180 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 672 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,852 | 92.4 | |
| | National Country notional hold | National Country notional hold | Swing | +3.8 | |

### Lake Macquarie

1981 New South Wales state election: Lake Macquarie :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Merv Hunter | 21,165 | 66.5 | -4.7 |
| | Liberal | Judith Ball | 7,716 | 24.2 | -0.1 |
| | Democrats | Genady Levitch | 2,968 | 9.3 | +4.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,849 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 734 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,583 | 92.9 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Merv Hunter | 22,134 | 71.7 | -1.8 |
| | Liberal | Judith Ball | 8,747 | 28.3 | +1.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -1.8 | |

### Lakemba

1981 New South Wales state election: Lakemba :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Vince Durick | 20,657 | 78.6 | +3.7 |
| | Liberal | Vivian Salama | 5,635 | 21.4 | 0.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,292 | 95.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,265 | 4.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,557 | 90.6 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +1.6 | |

### Lane Cove

1981 New South Wales state election: Lane Cove :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | John Dowd | 15,511 | 58.1 | +5.9 |
| | Labor | Miron Shapira | 8,464 | 31.7 | -7.8 |
| | Democrats | Gary Smith | 1,750 | 6.6 | -1.7 |
| | Independent | Rhody Thomas | 966 | 3.6 | +3.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,691 | 97.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 646 | 2.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,337 | 89.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | John Dowd | 16,511 | 64.1 | +6.6 |
| | Labor | Miron Shapira | 9,264 | 35.9 | -6.6 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.6 | |

### Lismore

1981 New South Wales state election: Lismore :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Bruce Duncan | 20,848 | 68.9 | +8.3 |
| | Labor | Alan Veacock | 9,419 | 31.1 | -2.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,267 | 98.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 555 | 1.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,822 | 91.7 | |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | +5.1 | |

### Liverpool

1981 New South Wales state election: Liverpool :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | George Paciullo | 19,733 | 76.5 | -1.3 |
| | Liberal | Raymond Marsh | 4,580 | 17.8 | -1.6 |
| | Independent | David Bransdon | 813 | 3.2 | +3.2 |
| | Independent | Patrick Leyman | 662 | 2.6 | +2.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 25,788 | 95.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,214 | 4.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,002 | 90.7 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | George Paciullo | 20,033 | 80.4 | -0.4 |
| | Liberal | Raymond Marsh | 4,880 | 19.6 | +0.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -0.4 | |

### Maitland

1981 New South Wales state election: Maitland :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Allan Walsh | 15,663 | 53.0 | +2.8 |
| | Liberal | Peter Toms | 10,891 | 36.8 | -13.0 |
| | Independent | Herbert Collins | 1,832 | 6.2 | +6.2 |
| | Independent | James Roberts | 1,168 | 4.0 | +4.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,554 | 98.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 465 | 1.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,019 | 94.5 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Allan Walsh | 16,063 | 57.5 | +7.2 |
| | Liberal | Peter Toms | 11,891 | 42.5 | -7.2 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | +7.2 | |
The sitting member was Peter Toms (Liberal), however Maitland had become notionally held by Labor due to the redistribution.

### Manly

1981 New South Wales state election: Manly :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Alan Stewart | 14,034 | 48.9 | -2.5 |
| | Liberal | Nelson Meers | 13,358 | 46.6 | +2.9 |
| | Independent | Patricia Langworthy | 1,284 | 4.5 | +4.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,676 | 97.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 700 | 2.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,376 | 89.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Alan Stewart | 14,600 | 51.2 | -2.6 |
| | Liberal | Nelson Meers | 13,893 | 48.8 | +2.6 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.6 | |

### Maroubra

1981 New South Wales state election: Maroubra :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Bill Haigh | 19,619 | 68.8 | -1.5 |
| | Liberal | Mervyn Colbron | 8,910 | 31.2 | +6.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,529 | 95.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,336 | 4.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,865 | 90.9 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -3.7 | |

### Marrickville

1981 New South Wales state election: Marrickville :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Tom Cahill | 17,120 | 71.3 | -2.9 |
| | Liberal | John Kekis | 4,636 | 19.3 | +0.4 |
| | Socialist | Christopher Taylor | 1,533 | 6.4 | -0.5 |
| | Democrats | Anthony Larkings | 724 | 3.0 | +3.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 24,013 | 93.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,703 | 6.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 25,716 | 87.4 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Tom Cahill | 17,820 | 78.0 | -1.8 |
| | Liberal | John Kekis | 5,036 | 22.0 | +1.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -1.8 | |

### Merrylands

1981 New South Wales state election: Merrylands :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Jack Ferguson | 20,732 | 75.3 | -1.1 |
| | Liberal | Alan Byers | 6,794 | 24.7 | +5.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,526 | 95.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,370 | 4.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,896 | 92.4 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -3.3 | |

### Miranda

1981 New South Wales state election: Miranda :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Bill Robb | 15,241 | 51.8 | -1.7 |
| | Liberal | Lawrence Power | 12,778 | 43.4 | +1.9 |
| | Democrats | Richard Hopkins | 1,407 | 4.8 | -0.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,426 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 699 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,125 | 92.9 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Bill Robb | 15,541 | 54.3 | -2.2 |
| | Liberal | Lawrence Power | 13,078 | 45.7 | +2.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.2 | |

### Monaro

1981 New South Wales state election: Monaro :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | John Akister | 17,395 | 59.8 | +3.4 |
| | Liberal | David Barton | 8,852 | 30.4 | +9.6 |
| | National Country | Susan Mitchell | 2,384 | 8.2 | -11.1 |
| | Independent | Christopher Kleiss | 475 | 1.6 | +1.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,106 | 97.9 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 621 | 2.1 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,727 | 89.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | John Akister | 17,495 | 61.4 | +4.6 |
| | Liberal | David Barton | 11,008 | 38.6 | -4.6 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +4.6 | |

### Mosman

1981 New South Wales state election: Mosman :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | David Arblaster | 17,187 | 64.2 | +2.4 |
| | Labor | Richard Lancaster | 9,572 | 35.8 | -2.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,759 | 97.1 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 786 | 2.9 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,545 | 86.8 | |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +2.4 | |

### Murray

1981 New South Wales state election: Murray :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Tim Fischer | 17,765 | 67.0 | +67.0 |
| | Labor | Robert Allen | 7,447 | 28.1 | +3.4 |
| | Democrats | Gregory Butler | 1,300 | 4.9 | +4.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,512 | 98.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 445 | 1.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 26,957 | 87.6 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | National Country | Tim Fischer | 17,965 | 69.1 | +5.0 |
| | Labor | Robert Allen | 8,047 | 30.9 | -5.0 |
| | National Country gain from Liberal | National Country gain from Liberal | Swing | N/A | |

### Murrumbidgee

1981 New South Wales state election: Murrumbidgee :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Lin Gordon | 15,865 | 53.5 | |
| | National Country | John Armstrong | 7,320 | 24.7 | |
| | Independent | Thomas Marriott | 6,483 | 21.8 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,668 | 98.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 464 | 1.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,132 | 92.5 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Lin Gordon | 17,365 | 63.9 | +8.8 |
| | National Country | John Armstrong | 9,820 | 36.1 | -8.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +8.8 | |

### Newcastle

1981 New South Wales state election: Newcastle :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Arthur Wade | 19,279 | 64.9 | -3.8 |
| | Liberal | Alex Bevan | 8,458 | 28.5 | -2.8 |
| | Communist | Kay Wicks | 1,987 | 6.7 | +6.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,724 | 96.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,107 | 3.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,831 | 91.5 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Arthur Wade | 20,708 | 70.9 | +2.2 |
| | Liberal | Alex Bevan | 8,508 | 29.1 | -2.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +2.2 | |

### Northcott

1981 New South Wales state election: Northcott :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Jim Cameron | 19,173 | 61.3 | +6.8 |
| | Labor | Therese McGee | 10,322 | 33.0 | -6.7 |
| | Democrats | Ian Irwin | 1,763 | 5.6 | -0.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,258 | 97.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 879 | 2.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,137 | 91.7 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Jim Cameron | 19,682 | 64.1 | +6.7 |
| | Labor | Therese McGee | 11,002 | 35.9 | -6.7 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.7 | |

### Northern Tablelands

1981 New South Wales state election: Northern Tablelands :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Bill McCarthy | 15,474 | 52.9 | +4.8 |
| | National Country | John Tregurtha | 13,782 | 47.1 | -4.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,256 | 98.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 468 | 1.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,724 | 92.2 | |
| | Labor notional gain from National Country | Labor notional gain from National Country | Swing | +4.8 | |

### North Shore

1981 New South Wales state election: North Shore :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Bruce McDonald | 10,359 | 41.6 | -12.2 |
| | Independent | Ted Mack | 7,163 | 28.7 | +28.7 |
| | Labor | Maurice May | 7,036 | 28.2 | -18.0 |
| | Democrats | Norman Ward | 362 | 1.5 | +1.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 24,920 | 97.8 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 559 | 2.2 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 25,479 | 84.1 | |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | Independent | Ted Mack | 13,130 | 54.6 | +54.6 |
| | Liberal | Bruce McDonald | 10,936 | 45.4 | -8.4 |
| | Independent notional gain from Liberal | Independent notional gain from Liberal | Swing | +54.6 | |

### Orange

1981 New South Wales state election: Orange :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Garry West | 15,555 | 53.5 | +1.8 |
| | Labor | Harold Gartrell | 13,504 | 46.5 | -1.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,059 | 98.1 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 567 | 1.9 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,626 | 93.3 | |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | +1.8 | |

### Oxley

1981 New South Wales state election: Oxley :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Jim Brown | 20,358 | 61.5 | -1.0 |
| | Labor | Alick Rogers | 12,754 | 38.5 | +1.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 33,112 | 98.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 684 | 2.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 33,796 | 93.2 | |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | -1.0 | |

### Parramatta

1981 New South Wales state election: Parramatta :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Barry Wilde | 15,517 | 56.7 | |
| | Liberal | Paul Zammit | 7,131 | 26.1 | |
| | Independent | Anthony Buhagiar | 4,008 | 14.6 | |
| | Democrats | Barry Jacques | 713 | 2.6 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,369 | 96.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,054 | 3.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,423 | 89.2 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Barry Wilde | 17,517 | 65.7 | -0.6 |
| | Liberal | Paul Zammit | 9,131 | 34.3 | +0.6 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -0.6 | |

### Peats

1981 New South Wales state election: Peats :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Keith O'Connell | 18,046 | 64.5 | -3.8 |
| | Liberal | Raymond Carter | 7,014 | 25.0 | +0.7 |
| | Democrats | John Aitken | 2,937 | 10.5 | +7.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,997 | 96.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,082 | 3.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,079 | 91.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Keith O'Connell | 19,060 | 70.4 | -0.4 |
| | Liberal | Raymond Carter | 8,014 | 29.6 | +0.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -0.4 | |

### Penrith

1981 New South Wales state election: Penrith :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Peter Anderson | 22,850 | 70.8 | -1.2 |
| | Liberal | Ross Shuttleworth | 9,413 | 29.2 | +1.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 32,263 | 96.9 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,038 | 3.1 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 33,301 | 92.2 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -1.2 | |

### Pittwater

1981 New South Wales state election: Pittwater :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Max Smith | 16,910 | 60.9 | +14.9 |
| | Labor | Patrick Sewell | 10,872 | 39.1 | -1.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,782 | 96.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,087 | 3.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,869 | 88.4 | |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +9.5 | |

### Riverstone

1981 New South Wales state election: Riverstone :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Tony Johnson | 18,139 | 71.1 | |
| | Liberal | Kenneth Jessup | 6,267 | 24.6 | |
| | Democrats | John Cavenett | 1,090 | 4.3 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 25,496 | 94.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,452 | 5.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 26,948 | 90.1 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Tony Johnson | 18,339 | 73.9 | -5.7 |
| | Liberal | Kenneth Jessup | 6,467 | 26.1 | +5.7 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -5.7 | |

### Rockdale

1981 New South Wales state election: Rockdale :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Labor | Brian Bannon | 18,639 | 69.2 |
| | Liberal | John Tonkin | 8,294 | 30.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,933 | 96.1 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,094 | 3.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,027 | 91.4 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.5 |

### Ryde

1981 New South Wales state election: Ryde :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Garry McIlwaine | 15,570 | 57.0 | |
| | Liberal | Donald Wilkinson | 10,160 | 37.2 | |
| | Democrats | Christopher Dunkerley | 1,588 | 5.8 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,318 | 96.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,032 | 3.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,350 | 90.6 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Garry McIlwaine | 15,870 | 60.3 | -3.4 |
| | Liberal | Donald Wilkinson | 10,460 | 39.7 | +3.4 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -3.4 | |

### St Marys

1981 New South Wales state election: St Marys :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ron Mulock | 22,820 | 77.5 | -2.4 |
| | Liberal | Rodney Field | 6,615 | 22.5 | +2.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,435 | 95.9 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,271 | 4.1 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,706 | 90.6 | |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -2.4 | |

### Seven Hills

1981 New South Wales state election: Seven Hills :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Bob Christie | 17,290 | 64.8 | |
| | Liberal | Heather Gow | 7,237 | 27.1 | |
| | Democrats | Peggy Cable | 2,146 | 8.1 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,673 | 95.9 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,145 | 4.1 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,818 | 91.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Bob Christie | 17,690 | 70.0 | -7.1 |
| | Liberal | Heather Gow | 7,587 | 30.0 | +7.1 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -7.1 | |

### South Coast

1981 New South Wales state election: South Coast :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Independent | John Hatton | unopposed | | |
| | Independent hold | Independent hold | | | |

### Swansea

1981 New South Wales state election: Swansea :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Don Bowman | 22,375 | 71.2 | -7.5 |
| | Liberal | Denis Dolan | 4,976 | 15.8 | -5.5 |
| | Democrats | Lyn Godfrey | 4,060 | 12.9 | +12.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 31,411 | 96.4 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,187 | 3.6 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 32,598 | 93.2 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Don Bowman | 23,276 | 78.8 | +0.1 |
| | Liberal | Denis Dolan | 6,276 | 21.2 | -0.1 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | +0.1 | |

### Tamworth

1981 New South Wales state election: Tamworth :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Noel Park | 17,504 | 58.4 | +8.8 |
| | Labor | Garrett Ryan | 10,689 | 35.7 | -6.6 |
| | Democrats | Noel Cassel | 1,782 | 5.9 | 0.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,975 | 98.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 596 | 2.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,571 | 93.0 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | National Country | Noel Park | 18,384 | 62.1 | +8.8 |
| | Labor | Garrett Ryan | 11,229 | 37.9 | -8.8 |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | +8.8 | |

### The Hills

1981 New South Wales state election: The Hills :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Fred Caterson | 17,284 | 59.5 | +7.3 |
| | Labor | Barry Calvert | 10,124 | 34.8 | -8.3 |
| | Democrats | Rona Samuels | 1,660 | 5.7 | +1.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,068 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 696 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,764 | 91.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Fred Caterson | 17,584 | 61.7 | +6.9 |
| | Labor | Barry Calvert | 10,924 | 38.3 | -6.9 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.9 | |

### Tuggerah

1981 New South Wales state election: Tuggerah :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Harry Moore | 17,724 | 59.1 | |
| | Liberal | Joan Skaife | 8,883 | 29.6 | |
| | Democrats | Lynn Sawyer | 3,382 | 11.3 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,989 | 97.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 817 | 2.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,806 | 91.0 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Harry Moore | 19,108 | 66.8 | -3.2 |
| | Liberal | Joan Skaife | 9,503 | 33.2 | +3.2 |
| | Labor notional hold | Labor notional hold | Swing | -3.2 | |

### Upper Hunter

1981 New South Wales state election: Upper Hunter :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National Country | Col Fisher | 16,640 | 56.4 | +2.0 |
| | Labor | Ronald Brumpton | 12,886 | 43.6 | -2.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,526 | 98.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 589 | 2.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,115 | 92.8 | |
| | National Country hold | National Country hold | Swing | +2.0 | |

### Vaucluse

1981 New South Wales state election: Vaucluse :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Rosemary Foot | 16,840 | 64.6 | |
| | Labor | Nance Loney | 6,529 | 25.0 | |
| | Independent | Mark Ure | 1,602 | 6.1 | |
| | Democrats | Brian Hillman | 1,112 | 4.3 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,083 | 96.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,018 | 3.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,101 | 86.3 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Rosemary Foot | 17,600 | 70.1 | +7.9 |
| | Labor | Nance Loney | 7,500 | 29.9 | -7.9 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +7.9 | |

### Wagga Wagga

1981 New South Wales state election: Wagga Wagga :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Joe Schipp | 15,351 | 51.3 | -0.8 |
| | Labor | Thomas Watson | 11,287 | 37.7 | -6.8 |
| | Democrats | Rodney Dominish | 3,270 | 10.9 | +10.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,908 | 98.5 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 457 | 1.5 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,365 | 92.1 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Joe Schipp | 16,351 | 58.1 | +4.3 |
| | Labor | Thomas Watson | 11,787 | 41.9 | -4.3 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +4.3 | |

### Wakehurst

1981 New South Wales state election: Wakehurst :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Tom Webster | 14,891 | 55.3 | -0.8 |
| | Liberal | Phillip Wearne | 11,194 | 41.6 | -2.3 |
| | Democrats | Henri Rathgeber | 837 | 3.1 | +3.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,922 | 97.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 833 | 3.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,755 | 90.0 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Tom Webster | 15,098 | 57.0 | +0.9 |
| | Liberal | Phillip Wearne | 11,394 | 43.0 | -0.9 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | +0.9 | |

### Wallsend

1981 New South Wales state election: Wallsend :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ken Booth | 21,392 | 74.3 | -5.0 |
| | Liberal | Richard Noonan | 7,387 | 25.7 | +5.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,779 | 97.3 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 789 | 2.7 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,568 | 94.5 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -5.0 | |

### Waratah

1981 New South Wales state election: Waratah :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Sam Jones | 20,407 | 70.2 | -2.4 |
| | Liberal | Pauline Graham | 7,484 | 25.7 | +1.6 |
| | Communist | Christopher Dodds | 1,199 | 4.1 | +0.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 29,047 | 97.7 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 687 | 2.3 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,734 | 94.8 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Sam Jones | 21,107 | 73.6 | -2.0 |
| | Liberal | Pauline Graham | 7,574 | 26.4 | +2.0 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -2.0 | |

### Waverley

1981 New South Wales state election: Waverley :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ernie Page | 16,796 | 61.9 | -3.7 |
| | Liberal | Albert Ross | 10,350 | 38.1 | +10.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,146 | 95.2 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,375 | 4.8 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,521 | 85.8 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -6.9 | |

### Wentworthville

1981 New South Wales state election: Wentworthville :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Labor | Ernie Quinn | 17,182 | 62.6 |
| | Liberal | Colin Edwards | 10,279 | 37.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 27,461 | 96.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,157 | 4.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 28,618 | 93.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -4.5 |

### Willoughby

1981 New South Wales state election: Willoughby :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Peter Collins | 13,185 | 49.9 | |
| | Labor | Eddie Britt | 11,370 | 43.0 | |
| | Independent | Kenneth Thomas | 1,880 | 7.1 | |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 26,435 | 96.9 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 856 | 3.1 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 27,291 | 89.0 | |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Peter Collins | 13,902 | 53.7 | +1.5 |
| | Labor | Eddie Britt | 12,004 | 46.3 | -1.5 |
| | Liberal notional hold | Liberal notional hold | Swing | +1.5 | |
The sitting member was Eddie Britt (Labor), however Willoughby had become notionally held by Liberal due to the redistribution.

### Wollongong

1981 New South Wales state election: Wollongong :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Eric Ramsay | 13,223 | 46.5 | -22.9 |
| | Independent | Frank Arkell | 11,767 | 41.4 | +41.4 |
| | Liberal | Ronald Brooks | 2,346 | 8.2 | -13.0 |
| | Democrats | Megan Sampson | 974 | 3.4 | -3.9 |
| | Independent | Ellen Love | 142 | 0.5 | +0.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 28,452 | 96.0 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,185 | 4.0 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 29,637 | 91.9 | |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Eric Ramsay | 14,034 | 50.1 | -23.7 |
| | Independent | Frank Arkell | 13,983 | 49.9 | +49.9 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -23.7 | |

### Woronora

1981 New South Wales state election: Woronora :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Maurie Keane | 18,646 | 62.1 | -4.5 |
| | Liberal | Chris Downy | 11,405 | 37.9 | +13.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 30,051 | 97.6 | |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 734 | 2.4 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 30,785 | 93.8 | |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -7.5 | |