Media Release

25 January 2005

Elliott McAdam MLA

Call to Territorians - Get Involved in Statehood

The Northern Territory takes a step toward to statehood today with the Chair of the newly created Statehood Steering Committee Mr Elliot McAdam MLA calling for expressions of interest to join the Committee.

The role of the Statehood Steering Committee is to consult with Territorians on a future grant of statehood and report to the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

“We are getting the Steering Committee up and running for 2005 with advertising calling for nominations now taking place across the Territory,” Mr McAdam said.

“With the Australia Day holiday upon us, it is an ideal time to be thinking about how we want to be governed and not just our identity as Australians but also as Territorians.”

“We are looking for Territorians from a range of backgrounds with a commitment to the Territory’s future. People willing to put in the time and effort to consult widely to develop statehood for the Northern Territory.”

“People respected in their communities who can be an ambassador for statehood should consider throwing their hat into the ring.”

“The Committee is to be representative of communities across the Territory from Central Australia to the Top End and in between. Indigenous and non indigenous Territorians will be represented as well as young people and senior Territorians.”

“Once the membership of the Steering Committee is finalised it will give all Territorians a place to participate in discussions about statehood.”

“The Statehood Steering Committee will have a busy year ahead of them with the first meeting planned to be held in Alice Springs in the first half of this year.”

Mr McAdam also announced the Legislative Assembly has established an Office of the Statehood Steering Committee with a dedicated Executive Officer to coordinate the work toward statehood.

Any person wishing to nominate should call the Office of the Statehood Steering Committee for a form or download a form from www.nt.gov.au/lant/statehood and submit it by Monday 7 February 2005.

The Office of the Statehood Steering Committee can be contacted on (08) 8946 1418 during office hours.

Media Inquiries: Michael Tatham 0401 119 570