Defining the nature of the relationship between Norfolk Island and the Commonwealth of Australia

Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, titled ‘RESTORING DEMOCRACY - November 2023,’ recommends the NIGC incorporate into its terms of reference the development of a preamble for the establishing legislation that: ‘defines the nature of the relationship between Norfolk Island and Australia.’ The Australian Government has agreed to this recommendation.

The NIGC acknowledges community groups and individuals have their own views about the legal relationship between Norfolk Island and Australia, and the rights of the people of Norfolk Island under international law. The community representatives on the NIGC have faithfully put these views forward for discussion and consideration by the whole Committee on several occasions. This includes bringing to the NIGC’s attention the petition before the United Nations (UN) to have Norfolk Island listed as a Non-Self-Governing Territory under Chapter XI of the Charter of the UN.

The NIGC has agreed to recommend to the Australian Government that the nature of the relationship between Norfolk Island and Australia is described as:

Norfolk Island is a distinct and separate territory administered under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The views the community representatives put forward to the NIGC are without prejudice to, and do not limit, the rights of the people of Norfolk Island. The community representatives continue to advocate the views of the community in all NIGC discussions.

For more information, see https://www.norfolkislandgover...