History

Originally called the Northern Separation Movement, the aim of the movement was to seek the secession of the northeastern regions from the State of New South Wales (NSW) and the establishment of a new State of New England. Post WWII, the New England New State Movement was reinvigorated and went on to be the most successful Australian separatist movement. The movement had the support of more than 100 independent regional newspapers and successfully engaged the then, NSW Country Party to support the proposition of creating the New England State. It was this alliance that delivered a referendum for the nearly 400,000 constituents of northeast NSW on the 29 April 1967.

Though unsuccessful, the referendum and the preceding New South Wales, New State Referendum Act 1966 provide a number of invaluable precedents and lessons for all advocates of New State Secession Movements.

Original map of New England border (Excluding Newcastle)

Sir Charles Cutler: Leader NSW Country Party 1959-75

Armidale NSW 1962