Northern Territory

:For similar terms, see Northern Territories (disambiguation)

Politics

The territory has a legislative assembly. Whilst this assembly exercises roughly the same powers as the governments of the states of Australia, it does so by delegation of powers from the commonwealth government, rather than by any constitutional right.

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For several years there has been agitation for full statehood. A referendum was held on the issue in 1998, which failed. This was a shock to both the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments, for opinion polls showed most Territorians supported statehood. However, under the Australian Constitution, the Federal government may set the terms of entry to full statehood. The Northern Territory was offered three Senators, rather than the full complement of 12 (With 12 Senate seats, a Territorian vote would have been worth more than 30 votes in New South Wales or Victoria). Alongside what was cited as an arrogant approach adopted by then Chief Minister Shane Stone, it is believed that most Territorians were reluctant to adopt the offer which was made.

Related Topics:
Referendum - 1998 - New South Wales - Victoria - Shane Stone

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The current head of government is Chief Minister Clare Martin who led the Australian Labor Party to their first Northern Territory electoral victory in August 2001, and to a second victory in June 2005. The leader of the opposition Denis Burke, head of the Country Liberal Party, until the Territory elections of June 2005, where Burke lost his seat. The party then chose Jodeen Carney as the new Opposition Leader.

Related Topics:
Clare Martin - Australian Labor Party - August 2001 - June 2005 - Denis Burke - Country Liberal Party - Jodeen Carney

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The territory is represented in the Commonwealth parliament by two members in the House of Representatives and two members in the Senate.

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At the local government level, there are 6 incorporated municipalities (3 town councils, 1 shire and 2 cities), 30 'community government councils' and 26 other bodies. See: Local Government Areas of the Northern Territory

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