Territorians united in quest for equality and to determine their own future

Territory Day is different this year, delayed due to the Covid lockdown on July 1. But just because we’re celebrating on a different day doesn’t change the sentiment or its importance. I have been immensely proud of Territorians and how we have punched above our weight during the Covid pandemic, becoming the refuge for Australians caught overseas.

It was Territorians who stepped up in January last year to say bring them here, we will care for them at Howard Springs”. It was Territorians who welcomed the Olympians after Tokyo, and who are ready to welcome Afghan-Australians.

As we have faced our own close calls with Covid and lockdowns, we have again responded with resilience and strength. Whatever the disaster, we unite. It’s what I reflect on when Territory Day comes around. But still we are not seen as equals by our fellow Australians.

Territorians have been fighting for political rights since the Surrender Act of 1908 when

South Australia surrendered the NT to the Commonwealth. In 1918, about 1000 people marched on Government House protesting unemployment, taxation and poor political representation in what became known as the Darwin Rebellion.

In 1974, it was then prime minister Gough Whitlam who told Australians the NT would soon be granted self-government. In 1978 it became a reality. A new era, and with it, a sense of relief and excitement the NT would no longer be dictated to by the Commonwealth.

While self-government has brought many state-like functions, Territorians still don’t enjoy a fair partnership in the Australian Federation. While federally each state gets a minimum of five seats and 12 Senators, the NT has only two representatives in each house.

It is only with statehood, that our representation and equality will be guaranteed. It is time to allow the people of the Territory to make our own decisions, and determine our own future. It is a challenge I have no doubt Territorians will unite behind.