The first sitting of the 11th Assembly in the Norfolk Island chamber.
frage.At this time, the people come under the British Crown.
1856
The community moves en masse to Norfolk Island. Under Royal Instructions issued June 24, 1856: “And whereas the inhabitants of the said Island are chiefly emigrants from Pitcairn’s Island in the Pacific Ocean, who have been established in Norfolk Island under our authority, and who have been accus- tomed in the territory from which they have removed to govern themselves by laws and usages adapted to their own state of society, you are, as far as practica- ble….To preserve such laws and usages, and to adapt the authority vested in you by the said recited Order-in-Council to their preservation and maintenance.”
1857
Captain Dennison assists the Norfolk Island settlers to draw up 39 Laws and Regulations.The island remains substantially self-governing under its own locally elected Magistrates.
1896
Norfolk Island is brought under the government of New South Wales. All local laws are repealed and the local Magistrates are abolished and replaced by an outside appointee.
Most Islanders first read about this change in the Sydney Morning Herald.Their protests are rejected, with one member of an investigating committee referring to “the perni- cious doctrine of democracy!” Around this time, New Zealand expresses some interest in governing Norfolk Island.
1908
In the lead-up to the transfer of con- trol of the Island from Britain to Australia, the occupants of the old penal settlement buildings, whose families have lived in them since their arrival in 1856, are asked to sign a paper to the effect that they only occupy these buildings under a spe- cial licence, and can claim no right of ownership. Most accept eviction rather than sign, because they are convinced of their rights.
1913-14 Britain transfers control of the island to the Commonwealth of Australia. As an external territory, it comes under an administrator whose role is combined with that of Chief Magistrate. At this time, the Minister who moved the Norfolk Island Bill in the Australian federal Parliament is asked if there has been
332 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Four
consultation with the Norfolk Island people on the matter of the change in their constitutional status. His reply is:“They know what is going on: but no, they have not been con- sulted.…” At first there is an Executive
Council, but with most Members being appointed by the administra- tor and only having power over minor municipal matters.
1926 A royal commission receives repre- sentation from 12 of the then 19 sur- viving original settlers from Pitcairn Island that the original promises made to the Pitcairners have not been honoured.
1935
An elected eight-Member Advisory Council is established.The roles of administrator and judiciary are made separate.
1948
The Australian Citizenship Act of 1948 includes the people of Norfolk Island.This is passed without their knowledge or consent, but has impli- cations in their efforts to assert their distinct and separate rights in later years.