1977 Records

In 1977, the Commonwealth Government began transferring executive powers to the Legislative Assembly in preparation for Northern Territory self-government. On 1 January 1977, the Northern Territory Public Service was created and administrative powers relating to a number of State functions such as police, fire brigades, local government, and correctional services were transferred from the Commonwealth to the Northern Territory. Other functions such as health and the Supreme Court were progressively transferred from the Commonwealth to the Northern Territory Government.

Once the Fraser Federal Government enacted the Northern Territory (Self Government) Act 1978 (Commonwealth) the Northern Territory was established under the Crown with limited state-like powers with effect from 1 July 1978. The Act extended the powers of self-government in the Northern Territory by providing for the Legislative Assembly and the appointment of an Administrator, and establishing the Executive Council consisting of the Ministers of the Northern Territory Government.

The major state powers retained by the Commonwealth in the Northern Territory include Aboriginal land rights, the mining of uranium and other prescribed substances, industrial relations and control of Commonwealth national parks. For inter-governmental financial purposes the Northern Territory has been regarded by the Commonwealth as a State since 1 July 1988.

Members of the Northern Territory Cabinet in 1977

Dr GA Letts, MLA (Majority Leader)
Mr GEJ Tambling, MLA
Miss EJ Andrews, MLA
Mr R Ryan, MLA
Mr IL Tuxworth, MLA
Mr MB Perron, MLA
Mr DL Pollock, MLA

Contact Details

Telephone: (08) 8924 7677

Email: nt.archives@nt.gov.au