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Representation in the House of Representatives depends on our population.
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The existing states have a guaranteed minimum of five members of the House of Representatives. Tasmania has five members; the Northern Territory has two.
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No new state has been made since the existing states were formed from colonies in 1901.
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The guaranteed minimum does not apply to a new state. The Northern Territory may ask for a guaranteed minimum as a condition of entry as a state.
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Existing states have an equal number of senators; the number of senators for each of the existing states is 12.
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The Northern Territory has two senators.
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Senators are the members of the Commonwealth Parliament who represent every person in a state or territory.
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The number of senators the Northern Territory will have upon Statehood will be a matter for negotiation with the existing states.
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To be fair, we should have the same number of senators as every other state.
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It may be agreed with the states the Northern Territory will have fewer senators as a condition of becoming a state.
- It may be agreed the Northern Territory has fewer senators at first and then an equal number later on.
