Government responds to Joint standing committee on Norfolk Island future Governance

The Australian Government has formally responded to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories’ (JSCNCET) report into Norfolk Island governance.

The JSCNCET made a range of recommendations, which the Government has carefully considered and will largely adopt – relating to the establishment of a viable new demoratically-elected governing body.

The Government will continue to work with the Norfolk Island community through the Norfolk Island Goverance Committee (NIGC) to progress an appropriate model of local governance, and to identify equitable revenue sources to support local service delivery.

The NIGC have commenced further community consultation on this.

The Government thanks the JSCNCET members for their work in delivering the report and its recommendations.

For a copy of the Government response, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/about-us/corporate-reporting/australian-government-responses

For a copy of the report, visit: www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Capital_and_External_Territories/LocalgovernanceNorfolk

Quotes attributable to Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

“As Minister, I’m focused on making sure local voices are heard in the development of Norfolk Island’s future local government.

“Through the Norfolk Island Governance Committee, there will be thorough public consultation as we progress a new governing body model.

“A key focus of the new body will be the economic development and financial resilience of the Norfolk community into the future.

“We will also reinstate a Preamble in the governing legislation to recognise Norfolk’s distinct culture and its relationship with Australia – something I committed to on my first visit on island.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP:

“The Norfolk Island community has been loud and clear – they want local democracy restored, which is why I’ve worked hard with locals and the Minister to progress this as a top priority.

“These recommendations build on what we already know – local voices need to be front and centre – while reaffirming the importance of building sustainable, on-island capacity.

“That’s exactly what we’ll seek to do as we establish a new model of on-island governance – soemthing that the NIGC will consult widely on with local residents to ensure it reflects the unquie needs of the community.”