The federal Minister for Northern Australia has described statehood for north Queensland as an inevitability, even if it could take some time.

Speaking at a Queensland Media Club lunch on Wednesday, Matthew Canavan said, in time, a new northern state capital would have to be established.

Northern Australia Minister Matthew Canavan says it's only a matter of time until north Queensland secedes from the rest of the state. Credit:Tammy Law

But Senator Canavan, who in March backed a referendum to decide the issue, conceded a new northern state was not likely any time soon.

"It's not the government's policy and it's also not the LNP's policy, so it's not something I'm advocating for, but on a personal level I think it would make some sense," he said.