What is the difference between and Australian state and territory? Why aren't they just called states?

Answer 1

The States of Australia started as independent colonies. Originally it was all New South Wales then the other States were split off and new State capitals were founded. At Federation in 1901, the six colonies became the six States. the Northern Territory had been administered by South Australia up to that point but was not part of South Australia. It remained a territory and administration passed to Canberra.

A capital city for the new country was needed and a chunk of NSW together with a small piece of the coastline on Jervis Bay became the Australian Capital Territory. Other Territories and areas administered by Australia include the Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard and MacDonald Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Island and Norfolk Island.

The ACT and the NT have a form of self government but these bodies can be overrruled by Canberra.

One further point, each of the States sends twelve Senators to the Senate, the ACT and the NT get two each.

Answer 2

The difference is how the state/ territory is governed.

In reference to:
"The names 'Northern Territory' and 'Australian Capital Territory' date from the time before these areas became full states, but the names were not changed as most people know the legal standing of the place they live so don't feel a need to alter the name." This is incorrect. The NT took a vote a few years back (I know I was there) as to whether they should become a full state or not, the people decided to stay as a territory.

Answer 3

What Is A Territory

Answer 4

Australian states have their own parliaments and are self governing. They make their own laws and can also tax their citizens to some extent.

Australian territories are administered by the Federal government.

Edited to say: Yep, you're right.

Cheers :-)

Answer 5

Just legacy at this point - they are treated all the same by the government