Media Release

12 April 2005

Elliot McAdam MLA, Chairman

Membership of the Statehood Steering Committee

Following a Territory wide advertising campaign seeking expressions of interest and consideration of more than 90 nominees, membership of the community controlled Statehood Steering Committee has been determined.

The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs announce the following people as members of the Statehood Steering Committee:

• Mr Daniel Bourchier 2005 (NT) Young Australian of the Year
• Ms Sue Bradley Community representative
• Ms Kathleen Chong Fong Solicitor/ community representative
• Mr Pete Davies Radio broadcaster/ community representative
• Mr Kim Hill Reconciliation Council Nominee
• Mr Stuart Kenny Cattlemen’s Association Nominee
• Mr Brian Martin AO MBE Retired Chief Justice/ community representative
• Ms Jenny Medwell OAM Multicultural Council/ community representative
• Ms Irene Nangala Teacher / community representative
• Ms Kezia Purick Minerals Council Nominee
• Mr Jamey Robertson Unions NT Nominee
• Mr Geoff Shaw AM Central Land Council Nominee
• Ms Margaret Vigants Territorians for Statehood Nominee
• Mr Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM Former Chair Northern Land Council/ community representative

The Statehood Steering Committee has a brief to consult widely, educate Territorians further about Statehood and then advise the Legislative Assembly on the appropriate steps to take on the road to Statehood for the Northern Territory.

The Chair of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and Chair of the Statehood Steering Committee, Mr Elliot McAdam MLA welcomed the completion of the selection process for members.

“Each one of these dedicated Committee members will be working very hard together with all Territorians over the next couple of years towards Statehood.

“All members of the Legislative Assembly Committee, which met on several occasions to finalise the selection of these members, welcomes their enthusiasm and dedication to the task that lies ahead.”

“Each and every person who nominated is to be congratulated for putting their name forward. They will all have a role to play, I am asking them today to consider remaining involved with the Statehood Steering Committee in other roles they may be able to play in promoting Statehood. The Committee Secretariat will be in touch with every one of them and asking them to be part of the Statehood team.”

“We have taken the decision to keep a place vacant in the short term with a view it should be filled by a young indigenous female Central Australian” Mr McAdam advised. “This will assist in balance and fresh perspectives for the Committee over its life”.

A Co Chair for the Statehood Steering Committee will be confirmed at the next meeting of the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs expected to be held by the end of this month.

Media Inquiries Michael Tatham 040 111 9570