PM Starry-Eyed Over Union Jack

The PM is so dazzled by the Union Jack on the flag that he completely flubbed how many points the Federation star has. The PM said six when in fact it already has seven – one for each State and one added for the combined territories of the Commonwealth in 1909. This got into the media following a Premiers ‘ retreat ahead of a COAG meeting with one unexpected outcome being a plan for Northern Territory statehood by 2018. If this goes through – the NT already tried in 1998 but failed – it will be of keen interest to referendum watchers like republicans because it will be easier to get proposed constitutional changes up in four States out of seven. The new state will have a relatively small number of voters, for example, fewer than the ACT which will remain a territory as required under the Constitution.