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Statehood has been on the agenda for the Northern Territory for a long time. The Launch Edition of the Centralian Advocate Newspaper in 1947 mentioned Statehood as a goal.
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In 1975 former Prime Minister Fraser indicated Statehood would be attained in ‘five years’.
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Between 1985 and 1996 successive committees of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly undertook detailed examination of Statehood related issues including the development of a draft State constitution for the Northern Territory.
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The Northern Territory Statehood Steering Committee was formed and met for the first time in April 2005. Its role is to advise the Parliament about a process toward Statehood in a timeframe to suit Territorians.
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The process may be as fast or as slow as Territorians want. The process is not fixed, the views of Territorians guide the process as we go.
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The Chief Minister speaking in May 2003 indicated Statehood by 1 July 2008 may be desirable. However, the Chief Minister has made it clear that neither the Government nor the Parliament will be setting a firm timeframe; it will remain a matter for Territorians if and when we want Statehood.
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Statehood is not inevitable and will not happen without community participation.
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During 2005 and 2006 a community awareness and education process is being undertaken.
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It is expected Territorians will be taking part in constitutional development through the Committee and via a constitutional gathering or convention.
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Recommendations to the Parliament will follow, then a referendum asking Territorians to decide about Statehood. Only then and if Territorians agree, the Commonwealth will need to enact laws to allow us to become a State.
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This process may take some time. Our surveys show us about half of all Territorians want to know a lot more about Statehood before they will support Statehood.
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We will be asking for your views and we want to know if you think we are going too fast or not fast enough.
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You can tell us any time by emailing us at statehood@nt.gov.au or calling (08) 8946 1437
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We have begun to visit schools and communities to promote discussion on Statehood.
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We will be conducting public forums and producing materials to help you decide. The Statehood Steering Committee is your place to talk about Statehood.
