Queensland Split Debate Revived: Calls for New North Queensland State Grow
Federal and state politicians are reigniting the long-standing campaign to create a seventh Australian state from the northern part of Queensland, citing geographical and governmental disconnects.
A push to divide Queensland and create Australia's seventh state has been reignited by federal and state politicians who argue that the region's vast distances and distinct economic drivers necessitate greater autonomy. The campaign, championed by Bob Katter and his son Robbie Katter, along with LNP Senator Matt Canavan, centers on the idea that decisions made by the government in Brisbane are out of touch with the needs of North Queensland.
Bob Katter stated that North Queenslanders have long sought political recognition despite being significant economic contributors through agriculture, mining, tourism, and energy. "The problem really consists of around a million people being governed by a government 3,000 kilometres away," Katter told news.com.au, emphasizing that such geographical distance hinders fair representation. LNP Senator Matt Canavan echoed these sentiments, arguing that regional Queenslanders feel increasingly disconnected from decision-makers in both Brisbane and Canberra.
Historical and Constitutional Hurdles
The path to statehood in Australia is complex. Creating a new state requires the approval of the Queensland Parliament under Section 124 of the Constitution, meaning any government in Brisbane must agree to a split. This legislative barrier has historically prevented such divisions.
Robbie Katter, a Member of the Katter's Australian Party, made an unsuccessful attempt in the Queensland Parliament in 2024 to establish North Queensland as a separate state. During his speech, he highlighted Australia's reluctance to redraw colonial-era boundaries, contrasting it with the United States' more frequent creation of new states since 1859. He cited historian Geoffrey Blainey, who noted that Australia has formed no new states since Queensland's inception, while the U.S. has created nearly 20. Katter suggested that for a country of Australia's size, more states could enhance the benefits of federalism.
Demographer Bernard Salt's views were also referenced, indicating a potential future openness among Australians to reconsidering established political structures. Robbie Katter posited that lines drawn on maps over 165 years ago might not be permanent and that reassessing them could lead to more sensible governance.
Economic Arguments for Statehood
Senator Canavan has also voiced support for a new North Queensland state, suggesting it could act as an economic catalyst. He argued in a 2024 opinion piece for The Courier-Mail that new states could invigorate the Australian Federation and national economy by encouraging development outside major urban centers. Canavan believes that new state governments would actively work to create opportunities, jobs, and investment, making Australia more competitive.
The core of the debate, according to Katter, revolves around whether North Queensland's distinct communities could be governed more effectively with greater autonomy, potentially leading to better outcomes for the region's development and its residents.