Statement on ownership of Norfolk Island International Airport

I want to address community concerns about the Norfolk Island Regional Council’s recent report on options for the management of the airport.

Under the administration arrangements for Council, NIRC is required to address the recommendations made in the 2020 independent audits and 2021 public inquiry. One of these recommended the transfer of ownership and management of the airport to the Commonwealth. Administrator Mike Colreavy has now presented a proposal on this matter.

Let me be clear. The Australian Government will not be entering into any discussions or negotiations with NIRC on the airport or other asset transfer proposals until after a democratically elected local governing body is back in place on Norfolk Island.

The focus of the Australian Government and the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC) is the development of a new model of governance for Norfolk Island. The work to restore a community-led form of democracy is being progressed as the key priority.

Any transfer of assets to or from the Commonwealth and the Council will be matters for consideration by the new local governing body.

George Plant

Administrator of Norfolk Island