1978: Territory finally stands alone after winning self government

THE NT News and NT Government are celebrating 42 years of self-governance with some of our most memorable milestones. In 1978, the Northern Territory was granted self-governance and began a new era with $55 million in the bank on July 1.

The handover of the first cheque of NT self-government by then-treasurer Marshall Perron to then-Alice Springs Mayor George Smith on July 3, 1978. Picture: Supplied

THE NT News and NT Government are celebrating 42 years of self-governance with some of our most memorable milestones. In 1978 …

The Northern Territory began life with $55 million in the bank – the sum was handed over in the form of a cheque to first treasurer and deputy chief minister Marshall Perron on July 1, 1978, when the NT was granted self-governance.

More than 6000 Territorians gathered at the Darwin Cenotaph on that momentous day to celebrate their new-found rights with the swearing-in of the inaugural NT Government ministry and the first official NT flag raising.

HMAS Derwent was anchored offshore to pay tribute, while RAAF aircraft, a stunt flyer and parachutists offered aerial entertainment.

There was no manual on how to take over from a federal government more than 3000km away, but restoring basic infrastructure like roads and power, often cut off during the wet season, was first on the agenda.

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That year the NT cabinet received several submissions including: the development of Ayers Rock resort at Yulara; establishment of casinos in Alice Springs and Darwin; construction of community health centres; the reconstruction of Darwin, which was still recovering from the effects of Cyclone Tracy five years earlier; plus the development of the Museum and Art Gallery in Darwin and the Araluen Cultural Complex in Alice Springs.