The Northern Territory Government only exists because of a law made by the Commonwealth Parliament - a law that can be changed by the Parliament in Canberra where 222 of the 226 members of both houses are not Territorians. This law can be changed without asking the Northern Territory.

Statehood may limit the ability of the Commonwealth to interfere in local matters.

Statehood could make all the people in the Northern Territory equal to those people living in the states of Australia.

The way we are not yet equal is evident in many of the laws of Australia.

For example, we do not get counted the same way as other citizens in the referenda put to all Australians on matters of national importance.

We do not have the same rights about making our own decisions and laws. Any law made in the Northern Territory Parliament can be overturned by the national parliament.

The Statehood Steering Committee has produced a number of Fact Sheets that will tell you about the differences between being a state and a territory.

Please have a look at the Fact Sheets and suggest any new ones. If you want to suggest any content for this website please contact us.