PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS 1 JUNE 1978
NORTHERN TERRITORY SELF-GOVERNMENT.
The Commonwealth Government is proposing that the Northern
Territory Government be given membership of the Premiers'
Conferences after the Territory enters a new phase of selfgovernment
on 1 July.
The Commonwealth Government also favours granting to the
Territory Government full membership of the Advisory Council
for Inter-Government Relations.
Letters have been sent to State Premiers setting out these
proposals ana also proposing that the Territory be invited to
attend the Premiers' Conference in June, with observer status.
In the past, executive members of the Northern Territory Legislative
Assembly have attended most of the Commonwealth/ State Standing
Ministerial Councils as observers.
The Government also believes it would be appropriate for the
Territory to be awarded full membership of Commonwealth/ State
Consultative bodies where responsibility for the relevant function
is transferred to the new Government.
The Commonwealth Government accordingly will sponsor full
membership for the Northern Territory of these bodies when
they first meet after 1 July.