Media Release

12 April 2005

Elliot McAdam MLA, Chairman

Central Australians Confirmed for Statehood Committee

Three Central Australian Residents have been confirmed as members of the newly created Statehood Steering Committee.

They join the existing Chair, Elliot McAdam, MLA, the member for Barkly and two other Central Australian Members of the Legislative Assembly, Mrs Loraine Braham and Mr John Elferink who also have a role with the Statehood Steering Committee.

“This is great news for Central Australia” Mr McAdam said today.

“We had to ensure we got the balance right and with the quality of candidates from Central Australia there was never any doubt we would have great representation for the region”

The Central Australians joining the push for Statehood are:

• Mr Daniel Bourchier 2005 Young Australian of the Year (NT)
• Ms Irene Nangala Teacher from Kintore
• Mr Geoff Shaw Central Land Council

“Each one of the members of the Statehood Steering Committee was appointed after a lengthy examination of more than 90 nominees. All the nominees showed a dedication to Statehood that we hope to become reflected across the entire community” Mr McAdam said.

“We have also determined to keep a place vacant in the short term to be filled by another suitable young Central Australian candidate. This will even further increase Central Australia representation on the Committee.”

“The Statehood Steering Committee will be meeting in Alice Springs later this month and consultation with Centralians will start almost immediately”

A Co-Chair for the Committee will be determined at a meeting later in April.

Media Inquiries Michael Tatham 0401119570