FACT SHEET 7

Will defence forces still be based in the Territory?

• The Commonwealth has the exclusive power under the Australian Constitution to make laws for places acquired by the Commonwealth for public purposes such as military bases and quarantine stations.

• The Northern Territory has a proud tradition of being a home to Australia’s defence forces.

• Northern Australia is the only part of mainland Australia to be repeatedly attacked during a time of war.

• Territorians have a unique perspective on the importance of a strong local military presence.

• There is a significant military presence in existing Australian states and there is no reason why the presence of military bases would not continue upon a grant of Statehood for the Northern Territory.

• The 2004 Federal Budget committed approximately $102 million dollars to defence capital projects spending in the Northern Territory.

• A continuing military presence would remain a part of Territory life upon Statehood.

• Our significance as a regional access point for Asia and a training location for exercises will not be reduced by Statehood.

• The Northern Territory has served as an essential staging post for Australian operations in South East Asia in recent times.

• The Bali Bombing in 2002 saw Darwin as a focal point for emergency assistance.

• The independence of East Timor saw Darwin used as a major regional centre for assistance to the world’s newest nation.

• The Boxing Day 2004 Tsunami resulted in troops being deployed out of Darwin to assist with the clean up of Aceh in Indonesia.

• The Northern Territory has shown itself to be an essential part of Australia’s military strategy in the region.

Northern Territory Statehood Steering Committee