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Territorianism: Politics and Identity in Australia's Northern Territory, 1978-2001
93 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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February 22, 2026
Though a hard to find source, this was quite eye opening to a person who was born and lives in the Northern Territory. Because of such a setting, I had recently become curious as to why the CLP (Country Liberal Party) reigned for so long in my home state (Territory). And through the eighty pages (twenty or so dedicated to sources and resources), we come across a part of Australia, long unwanted except for those who came (and to continue to come) as well as those long here before European colonisation and expansion.
The sole question, Why did the Territory have the CLP in power for so long? Came down to its lack of urban and industrial sectors, much of which encouraged Labor and labour relations in other states. Outside of this, comes also the geographic isolation and distance from Canberra, Aboriginal/Indigenous affairs, a strong communal sense amongst the electorate and Darwin/Alice Springs business community, coupled with a conservative attitude due to the lack of interest from long term Commonwealth government administration.
Another topic addressed greatly, though understandingly brief given the distance of time elapsed between publication and date range covered. Much has happened since 2001, the CLP has twice gotten elected, wracked with scandal after scandal, a world wide pandemic, numerous ongoing corruption charges, the party has a shaky though firm hold -at least for now. This, I believe shows the NT is not at all ready for statehood. Outside the Territory's small sphere of politics, the rest of Australia carries on its drive, noticing little of its far northern outpost. Until population is increased to 500 000 persons, territory wide (the most Darwin has held was 157 000 during a military exercise in 2024), statehood remains out of grasp. This does not take into account the relationship between the Indigenous populations and those of the NT government (irrespective of political party in power). Till the day the political class, and indeed the electorate, can show they're serious for taking on such a monumental decision, it remains a pipe dream.
This resource, though aged and needing expansion for the Tollner/Giles era of the party, will provide solid backing, though not a final picture for the party's future direction. Much is desired of the CLP ( I am no fan as their policies have affected my family and community in a number of ways), time has elapsed, but some attitudes, policies, and tactics remain largely the same.
The sole question, Why did the Territory have the CLP in power for so long? Came down to its lack of urban and industrial sectors, much of which encouraged Labor and labour relations in other states. Outside of this, comes also the geographic isolation and distance from Canberra, Aboriginal/Indigenous affairs, a strong communal sense amongst the electorate and Darwin/Alice Springs business community, coupled with a conservative attitude due to the lack of interest from long term Commonwealth government administration.
Another topic addressed greatly, though understandingly brief given the distance of time elapsed between publication and date range covered. Much has happened since 2001, the CLP has twice gotten elected, wracked with scandal after scandal, a world wide pandemic, numerous ongoing corruption charges, the party has a shaky though firm hold -at least for now. This, I believe shows the NT is not at all ready for statehood. Outside the Territory's small sphere of politics, the rest of Australia carries on its drive, noticing little of its far northern outpost. Until population is increased to 500 000 persons, territory wide (the most Darwin has held was 157 000 during a military exercise in 2024), statehood remains out of grasp. This does not take into account the relationship between the Indigenous populations and those of the NT government (irrespective of political party in power). Till the day the political class, and indeed the electorate, can show they're serious for taking on such a monumental decision, it remains a pipe dream.
This resource, though aged and needing expansion for the Tollner/Giles era of the party, will provide solid backing, though not a final picture for the party's future direction. Much is desired of the CLP ( I am no fan as their policies have affected my family and community in a number of ways), time has elapsed, but some attitudes, policies, and tactics remain largely the same.
Displaying 1 of 1 review