History in the Making
1955 A Petition signed by 375 of Norfolk Island’s 583 adults is addressed to Her Majesty, asking for the restoration of “the democratic right of control over our domestic affairs”.
1957-60
Under the Norfolk Island Act of 1957, more executive powers are to be given to a Norfolk Island Council. However, this never comes into effect because the first council elected under these terms rejects
it.The council says it only has control over minor municipal matters, too little access to revenues and funding and the administrator retains a power of veto.
1965
H.S.Newbery legally challenges Australia’s right to legislate for Norfolk Island, arguing that the repeal of Norfolk Island laws in 1896 was
invalid.The case is lost.
1975-6
The Nimmo Royal Commission makes a recommendation that the Commonwealth of Australia either abandons Norfolk Island, or that it be brought under Australia for electoral, social security or taxation purposes, and that all Commonwealth law should apply.
1977
The Norfolk Island Advisory Council and community groups vigorously oppose the Nimmo
Report.An appeal to the United Nations is promulgated but not processed.
1979
The Australian government announces it is prepared to move over a period of time towards a sub-
stantial measure of self-government for the Island. It is also of the view that, although Norfolk Island is part of Australia, and would remain so, this does not require Norfolk Island to be regulated by the same laws as other parts of Australia. In May 1979, the Commonwealth Norfolk Island Act of 1978 receives Vice-Regal Assent. A nine-Member Legislative
Assembly is established, with the role of administrator remaining mainly to deal with Australia’s interests and areas in which it currently retains interest and control. The transfer of powers does not,
however, proceed according to the timetable initially proposed.
1999
In the 1999 response of the Norfolk Island government to the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, it is said: “The Government is of the view
that any significant change to the nature of the island’s relationship with Australia should be preceded by:
• Proper community consultation; • A Constitutional Convention; • and a series of referenda.
The government of the day states in confidence that the result of this process would be a near-universal adoption of the position that the island should stand in the same rela- tionship to Australia as do the Channel Islands with respect to the United Kingdom.
2004 In March, against the wishes of the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly, Australia passes a law to provide that
The Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.
only Australian citizens can vote in or stand for elections for the Legislative
Assembly.This disenfranchises many long-term permanent residents, including a number who are of Bounty and Pitcairn descent. In August, there is a ceremonial sitting of the Legislative Assembly to mark 25 years of self-government.
2006 In February, the federal Minister with responsibility for Norfolk Island announces the Australian govern- ment’s intention to develop and con- sult on two broad options for the future governance of the
island.The options are:
• A modified self-government model with greater powers for the Australian government to be involved, than currently exists; or
• A local government model where the Australian government might assume responsibility for state-type functions.
The Minister suggests that these
models are likely to involve all Commonwealth laws being extended to Norfolk
Island.The Australian government’s preferred governance model includes Norfolk Island being part of an appropriate mainland elec- torate for federal elections and refer-
enda.The Australian government advises its intention to take responsi- bility for immigration, customs and quarantine.
In December, the Minister visits the island and announces that plans for governance changes have been abandoned. No reason is given. Requests for the results of an eco- nomic impact survey on the proposed governance changes have been refused to this day.
2008 – The latest developments 23 October The current federal Minister with responsibility for Norfolk Island, Hon. Bob Debus, makes an announcement about governance on Norfolk Island in the Australian
Parliament.This announcement is made without any prior notice to the Norfolk Island government. His stated intention was “secur- ing the future of Norfolk Island as a sustainable, just and equal part of
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