The electoral division of Paterson was one of the 15 electorates or 'seats' in the Tasmanian Legislative Council (upper house) from 1999 to 2008 when a redistribution saw it reverted to its original name of Launceston.
The electorate itself includes most of the Launceston city area. However, not all Launceston suburbs are a part of Paterson some like Mowbray, Rocherlea, Ravenswood are part of the electoral division of Windermere. Others including West Launceston, Riverside, Trevallyn and Summerhill are part of the electoral division of Rosevears. The rest of the city falls in Paterson.
The rural properties just outside Launceston at Western Junction and Breadalbane are also included in the division.
The divisions uses much of its western border as the South Esk River, its Southern border is Illawara Road and the entrance to Perth. Much of its eastern border is the Northern Midlands council and White Hills road.