PARLIAMENTARY REPORT
AUSTRALIA THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA
Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015
The Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act introduces a range of measures for Norfolk Island, a small island community of 1,800 people off the coast of Australia. The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has over a number of years produced a series of parliamentary reports arguing the case for greater accountability and the need to bring Norfolk Island within the Australian taxation and welfare system to ensure its future financial viability.
The Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Regional Development, Hon. Jamie Briggs MP noted that “under arrangements established in 1979, the Norfolk Island government is required to deliver all local, state and many federal services - more than any other government in Australia.” He stated that “it is not reasonable to expect such a small and remote community to deliver these responsibilities effectively. It is no surprise that services on Norfolk Island are now well below the standard Australians typically expect. In fact, there is almost a complete absence of the health and social services most Australian’s take for granted.”
In relation to Norfolk Island’s financial
position, Mr Briggs advised that “the Australian Government has provided in excess of A$40 million in assistance since 2010 to keep essential services operating.” Mr Briggs stated that the legislation
introduces “structural reforms to ensure Norfolk Island’s sustainability. In relation to social security measures, older Australians will have access to the age pension, families will be able to access a range of support payments and the community will also have access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and will no longer pay a separate Norfolk Island healthcare levy, which unfairly targets low- income earners.”
In relation to taxation, Mr Briggs noted that “Federal taxes will replace a range of inefficient taxes and charges currently levied by the Norfolk Island government.”
However, the most contentious measure is the reforms to governance arrangements. Mr Briggs noted that the “Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories concluded that governance and economic reform must occur together to give the community the greatest chance of recovery. The committee’s strong and bipartisan recommendation was that the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly be transitioned to a regional council.”
Mr Briggs advised that these measures have been accepted by the Federal Government. He stated that “following the bill’s commencement, the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly and Executive Council will be dissolved, and a local advisory council appointed to represent community views.”
Mr Briggs concluded that “these changes will bring Norfolk Island in line with other Australian communities and ensure services are delivered to a modern standard by the appropriate level of government.” The legislation was supported by the Labor opposition. The Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, however, noted that “there is no doubt that some elements of this legislation are controversial and I have had some contact with Norfolk Islanders who are concerned about parts of this legislation. I say to the government: there is a need for ongoing consultation as these changes are implemented. Change is always difficult. This process, though, is the outcome of considerable consultation up to this point.” Some groups on Norfolk Island are opposed to the reforms and, in particular, the measure to dissolve the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.
The Norfolk Island People for Democracy noted “its intention to pursue the right of
224 | The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Three
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