NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEHOOD
STEERING COMMITTEE

MEDIA RELEASE
21 April 2005

Elliot McAdam MLA, Chairman

Statehood Steering Committee Co-Chair Appointed

Long time Territorian and Darwin resident Sue Bradley has been appointed as the Co-Chair for the newly formed Statehood Steering Committee, meeting for the first time in Alice Springs today.

The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this morning and confirmed the appointment of Ms Bradley.

Mr Elliot McAdam MLA originating Chair of the Statehood Steering Committee welcomed the decision of the Standing Committee and congratulated Ms Bradley on her appointment.

“Sue Bradley will be the community face of the Statehood Steering Committee, she is a respected Territorian with a passion for Statehood, we are very lucky to have her skills and dedication for this position”

To reflect the intention the Statehood Steering Committee be community driven Co-Chair Bradley has a broad background working with community based organisations in the Northern Territory.

Speaking for the first time today in the role as Co-Chair, Ms Bradley said; “I am pleased and privileged to take up this position. We have a big job ahead of us and I am confident the community will be part of the process as we work together toward Statehood.”

“I am going to spend a lot of time talking to people, asking them to tell us what they think and make sure we get the message right for all Territorians. People need to be comfortable with what a state means for them,” Ms Bradley stated when outlining her first priority.

“As a longstanding Territorian I have always believed we deserve to be treated equally, not just by Canberra but by the states as well. Our young vibrant multicultural population, proximity to Asia and abundant natural wealth need to be recognised for the contributions they make to Australia as a whole.”

“We won’t give up until we are equal, we are not going to be ignored for another hundred years and I will be taking that message to Territorians wherever I go in this new role.”

Media Contact: Michael Tatham 040111 9570