FACT SHEET 5

Will we be an equal state? (Federal Representation)

• Representation in the House of Representatives depends on our population.

• The existing states have a guaranteed minimum of five members of the House of Representatives. Tasmania has five members; the Northern Territory has two.

• No new state has been made since the existing states were formed from colonies in 1901.

• The guaranteed minimum does not apply to a new state. The Northern Territory may ask for a guaranteed minimum as a condition of entry as a state.

• Existing states have an equal number of senators; the number of senators for each of the existing states is 12.

• The Northern Territory has two senators.

• Senators are the members of the Commonwealth Parliament who represent every person in a state or territory.

• The number of senators the Northern Territory will have upon Statehood will be a matter for negotiation with the existing states.

• To be fair, we should have the same number of senators as every other state.

• It may be agreed with the states the Northern Territory will have fewer senators as a condition of becoming a state.

• It may be agreed the Northern Territory has fewer senators at first and then an equal number later on.

What do Territorians want?

• Some Territorians have said they support Statehood but not on any terms.

• Some Territorians support Statehood accepting compromises at first to start the process and eventually achieve full equality.

• No matter how many senators, Statehood means a bigger voice for Territorians running their own affairs.

Northern Territory Statehood Steering Committee