Northern Territory Government

The Government of the Northern Territory of Australia, also referred to as the Northern Territory Government, is the Australian territorial democratic administrative authority of the Northern Territory. The Government of Northern Territory was formed in 1978 with the granting of self-government to the Territory. The Northern Territory is a territory of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Constitution of Australia and Commonwealth law regulates its relationship with the Commonwealth.

Northern Territory Government
Territorial Government
Formation1978 as responsible self-government
Territory Northern Territory
Country Australia
Websitewww.nt.gov.au
Legislative branch
LegislatureParliament of the Northern Territory
Meeting placeParliament House
Executive branch
Head of governmentChief Minister
Main bodyNorthern Territory Ministry
AppointerAdministrator
HeadquartersParliament House
Main organExecutive Council
Judicial branch
CourtSupreme Court
SeatSupreme court building. Darwin

Under the Australian Constitution, the Commonwealth has full legislative power, if it chooses to exercise it, over the Northern Territory, and has devolved self-government to the Territory. The Northern Territory legislature does not have the legislative independence of the Australian states but has power in all matters not in conflict with the Constitution and applicable Commonwealth laws, but subject to a Commonwealth veto.

Since 31 August 2016, the head of government has been Chief Minister Michael Gunner of the Labor Party.

Legislative powers

Legislative power rests with the Legislative Assembly, which consists of the Administrator of the Northern Territory and the members of the Assembly. While the Assembly exercises roughly the same powers as the state governments of Australia, it does so by a delegation of powers from the Commonwealth, rather than by any constitutional right. This means that the Australian Parliament retains the right to legislate for the Territory, if it chooses to exercise it. Under the law granting self-government to the Territory, the Federal Cabinet can advise the Governor-General of Australia to overturn any legislation passed by the Assembly. (See also Electoral systems of the Australian states and territories).

Executive powers

The government consists of a Ministry appointed by the Administrator, from the elected members of the Assembly. The Administrator normally appoints the leader of the majority party in the Assembly as the Chief Minister. The other members of the ministry are appointed by the Administrator on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Northern Territory Government is a member of the Council of Australian Governments.

Current Ministry

Source:[1]

OfficeholderOffice(s)
Michael Gunner MP
  • Chief Minister
  • Treasurer
  • Minister for Major Projects and Territory Economic Reconstruction
  • Minister for Strategic Defence Relations
Nicole Manison MP
Natasha Fyles MP
  • Leader of Government Business
  • Minister for Health
  • Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
  • Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing
  • Minister for Alcohol Policy
  • Minister for Major Events
  • Minister for National Resilience
Eva Lawler MP
Lauren Moss MP
Selena Uibo MP
Paul Kirby MP
  • Minister for Small Business
  • Minister for Jobs and Training
  • Minister for Corporate and Digital Development
  • Minister for Public Employment
  • Minister for Veterans Affairs
  • Minister for Recreational Fishing
Kate Worden MP
Chansey Paech MP
  • Minister for Local Government
  • Minister for Central Australia Economic Reconstruction
  • Minister for Remote Housing and Town Camps
  • Minister for Indigenous Essential Services
  • Minister for Arts and Culture

Proposed Northern Territory statehood
Main article: Proposed Northern Territory statehood

For many years there has been agitation for statehood. A referendum was held on the issue in 1998, but the proposal was narrowly rejected. This was a shock to both the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments, for opinion polls showed most Territorians supported statehood. However, under s. 121 of the Australian Constitution, the terms of admission of new states are decided by the Commonwealth Parliament. The terms offered included an increase to three seats in the Senate from two. The other states all have 12 senators. Alongside what was cited as an arrogant approach adopted by then Chief Minister Shane Stone, it is thought that many Territorians were reluctant to accept statehood on the offered terms.

See also

References
  1. "The Cabinet - NT.GOV.AU". NT.GOV.AU. Northern Territory Government. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
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