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1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2004  
Previous ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 27/02/2004   
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Contents >> Government >> Territory government

Self-governing


The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory are self-governing polities with powers almost matching those of the original states. The Northern Territory has been working towards full statehood, though a referendum on the question was rejected by Northern Territory voters in 1998. Norfolk Island controls its own treasury and raises revenue under its own system of laws. Generally, Commonwealth laws do not apply to Norfolk Island unless expressed to do so, but where any Norfolk Island legislation is in conflict with ordinances made by the Governor-General, such legislation is deemed null and void. Norfolk Islanders may enrol for Commonwealth elections in the electoral division they nominate, with some exceptions.

The Northern Territory and Norfolk Island both have an administrator of the territory, appointed by the Governor-General (table 2.14). The Australian Capital Territory has neither administrator nor governor. Each territory has an elected Legislative Assembly, with a wide range of powers.


2.14 ADMINISTRATORS, Territories - November 2003
Northern TerritoryThe Hon. Edward Joseph (Ted) Egan, AM
Norfolk IslandGEJ Tambling
Source: Department of the Parliamentary Library.


Each territory has a government headed by a chief minister (table 2.15). The Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have an opposition headed by an opposition leader (table 2.16).


2.15 CHIEF MINISTERS, Territories - November 2003
Northern TerritoryThe Hon. CM Martin, MLA (ALP)
Australian Capital TerritoryThe Hon. J Stanhope, MLA (ALP)
Norfolk IslandGR Gardner
Source: Department of the Parliamentary Library.

2.16 OPPOSITION LEADERS, Territories - November 2003
Northern TerritoryThe Hon. DG Burke, MLA (CLP)
Australian Capital TerritoryBM Smyth, MLA (LP)
Source: Department of the Parliamentary Library.


Non-self governing

Jervis Bay Territory, and the external territories of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Coral Sea Islands, and Ashmore and Cartier Islands, make up the non-self governing territories of Australia.

The resident communities in each of Jervis Bay Territory, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island are provided with an extensive range of government services. Each of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island has an elected local government, and residents may vote in Commonwealth parliamentary elections in the electoral division of Northern Territory. Residents of Jervis Bay are enrolled in the electoral division of Fraser (Australian Capital Territory).

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