The Northern Territory Government appointed a Minister for Statehood in September 2006. The Hon Syd Stirling MLA was the first Minister in nearly ten years to take up this important role. The Opposition appointed Mr Terry Mills as Shadow Minster at the same time.

Since then the role has been filled by the Hon Paul Henderson MLA and is currently occupied by the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MLA. Ms Kezia Purick MLA is the Shadow Minister.

The Minister’s role is separate to the Statehood Steering Committee. As a member of the Executive Government, the Minister drives Government policy to facilitate an eventual grant of Statehood for the Northern Territory.

Under the Australian Constitution the Commonwealth may permit the Northern Territory to be a State on whatever terms and conditions they want to impose. The Statehood Steering Committee is of the view that it is up to the two governments to establish what these will be ahead of asking Territorians to vote on whether they want Statehood or not.

The Minister has commenced discussions with her Commonwealth counterparts to determine the terms and conditions that may be associated with becoming a State.