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Territorians will have their say on the Northern Territory's path to Statehood at two peoples' conferences in Alice Springs and Darwin next year, Chief Minister Paul Henderson said today.

 

Speaking at a Territory Day flag raising ceremony at Parliament House, Mr Henderson said the Territory's 30th Anniversary of Self-Government was an ideal platform to take the next step on the path to Statehood.

 

"The Northern Territory has come a long way in 30 years of self-government, and today we have one of the fastest growing economies in the country and a wealth of economic opportunities in our future," Mr Henderson said.

 

"This is the best place to live, work and raise a family, and as we celebrate 30 years of self-government it is time Territorians achieved the same level of constitutional rights as other Australians.

 

"The path to Statehood must be led by the community, not by politicians - and the work of the Statehood Steering Committee is vital in driving discussion and education on Statehood across the NT.

 

"Next year, the Steering Committee will hold two peoples' conferences, giving Territorians the chance to map out the key issues they want to see addressed about becoming a State well before the constitutional convention planned for 2010.

 

"The path to Statehood can not be rushed if it is to be successful, and I commend the Steering Committee for its important work with Territorians.

 

"As we celebrate today with family and friends what it is to be a Territorian, I look forward to continuing to walk with the Territory community toward Statehood."

 

 

Contact: Rebecca Cass 0401 110 389

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