The Territory could add two extra senators to Australian Parliament under push from federal Labor

The number of politicians representing the Territory in the federal senate could double if a new push is successful. SEE WHY IT’S BEING DISCUSSED.

THE Territory could elect double the number of Senators it sends to Canberra at the next federal election under a new push by Labor.

NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has backed the idea to elect four senators in both the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory.

The territories are currently represented by two senators each in Canberra, compared to 12 for each states.

It means a state like Tasmania, which has just double the population of the NT, has six times the representation in the Senate.

Speaking on ABC Radio Darwin on Thursday, Senator McCarthy backed a call by Special Minister of State Don Farrell to double the territories to four senators each.

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has welcomed a push to increase representation of Territorians in the federal parliament. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“I’m absolutely delighted that Senator Farrell is pursuing this,” she said.

“I am an incredibly passionate advocate for constitutional rights for the Northern Territory, especially when it comes to political representation.”

Senator McCarthy said a joint parliamentary inquiry would look into the issue.

Senator Farrell has in recent days indicated a range of reforms, including truth in political advertising and donation reform, would be examined.

There was also the prospect of more MPs being added to the lower house.

Territory rights and representation will be hotly debated in coming months, with federal parliament set to discuss whether the ACT and NT should be able to vote on voluntary assisted dying.