Why are some Australian states called states and some are called territories?

Answer 1

The states in Australia were originally separate British colonies before the federation of Australia in 1901 and their powers as states are protected by the Australian Constitution.

The territories were never British colonies, but were settled by Australians themselves. Most of the territories are administered by the government of Australia, and do not have their own governor (called the Premier) or parliament as the Australian states do. However, three territories are indeed self-governing, but the laws made by those territories governments can be overridden by the Australian Parliament.

Answer 2

because that is how the legislation has termed them. Just as in Canada there are provinces and territories, and in the US in the past there have been states and territories.
Mexico, too.
In part, a territory has a small population, therefore less need for a large, formal local government.

Answer 3

i agree w/ da person above.