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    In Australia, is there any difference( political, etc.) between a territory and a state?

    +2  Views: 1238 Answers: 2 Posted: 10 years ago

    2 Answers

    Not really.The Northern Territory was granted state hood many years ago but retained the name for identity purposes.That leaves the A.C.T. or Canberra.It's full of federal polititians so who cares anyhow.(LOL),but I believe it ha it'e own Govt anyhow.

    In addition, WIKIPEDIA has this to say:


    Australia's six states represent the six British colonies that joined together to create the Commonwealth of Australia. In forming the Commonwealth, the states approved a Constitution that gave the then new Commonwealth government the right to pass laws on certain subjects, and allowed the states to retain all other law-making rights. States therefore have a constitutional right to convene a state parliament and pass certain laws.


    Any land within Australia's national border that is not claimed by one of the states is called a territory. Territories do not have the right to convene their own government or pass laws as the states do. Under the Constitution, the Australian Government makes the laws for the territories.


    The confusion between state and territory arises because the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory are often treated like states. These two territories, along with Norfolk Island, are self-governing territories. In these three cases, the then Commonwealth passed a law allowing each territory to convene a parliament and make their own laws in a similar manner to the states. Unlike the states, whose powers are defined through the Constitution, the powers of these territories are defined in Australian Government law which grants them the right of self-government. This also means that the Australian Government can alter or revoke these powers at will.


    Under Section 121 of the Australian Constitution, territories can become states with the approval of the Parliament of Australia.

    Tommyh

    Thanks for looking that up Phyl.
    Clonge

    Are you sure that you don't "come from a land down under"?
    Bob/PKB

    I'm a perfect angel!!!
    terryfossil 1

    Hey Bob,I reckon you would make a pretty fair Aussie..always nice talking..>>>>>>><<<<<<
    Bob/PKB

    It would be a privilege, tf. likewise...
    Tommyh

    3 years ago I made all of you guys honarary Aussies.
    Bob/PKB

    I'm blushing! :D


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