Australia into the 21st century”. He said that Australia was obliged to uphold the principles of political stability and economic prosperity that Australia was working to estab- lish in many countries in the Pacific.
The Minister also alleges that “Australian citizens on Norfolk Island do not receive all the benefits and protections enjoyed by other Australians, nor do they have the same obligations”.
decided that no governance changes should be made.This was based on a full eco- nomic analysis by Treasury and the Department of Finance, an independent econometric study by respected consultants Econtech (now a division of KPMG) and several reports commissioned by the Commonwealth of Australia government itself. Mr Nobbs said.“We intend to take every opportunity during the brief visit by Minister Debus in the next few days to engage in detailed discussions with him on the best ways for the Australian and
tions.The first occurred when the whole population agreed to the transfer from Pitcairn to Norfolk Island, only to find that the com- mitment that had been made to them that the island would be given to them for their exclusive occupa- tion was not to be honoured.The second occasion was in 1979, when the Norfolk Island Act granted self- government, and appeared finally to promise certainty and the opportu- nity to govern according to the spe-
The Members and clerks of the 12th Assembly.
24 October In a government press release, Norfolk Island’s Chief Minister Hon. Andre Nobbs responds to the federal Minister’s announcement as follows:
“On the eve of his first visit to Norfolk Island as Minister, Mr Debus has made a series of flawed judgments about Norfolk Island’s financial status and the quality of our government services and programmes, without prior consultation with its elected government”, Mr Nobbs said.“Norfolk Island has unique economic, social and political structures which have worked well for almost 30 years, making us a success story among Australia’s external territories and our South Pacific island neighbours”. The Chief Minister pointed out that it was less than two years since the Commonwealth completed a year-long examination of Norfolk Island gover- nance, following which federal cabinet
Norfolk Island governments to work together in the interests of the welfare of all the people of Norfolk Island.”
25 October 2008 Mr Debus meets with Members of the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island. So commences yet another round of discussions with the Commonwealth of Australia on the future destiny of Norfolk.
It is worth noting
The people of Norfolk Island have, over their 220-year history, under- gone changes not only to their geo- graphical home, but many changes to their legal and constitutional status. Most of these changes have been imposed on them by outsiders, with- out consultation or consent, and often without their knowledge. There are two notable excep-
334 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Four
cial needs and aspirations of the Norfolk Island people. Now it appears that the federal
government of Australia wishes to renege on this process also. Norfolk Islanders recognize that
being a territory under the Commonwealth of Australia, and the fact that we were given Australian citizenship (both actions taken with- out consultation) gives us a close relationship with Australia, and the opportunity to work co-operatively. Nevertheless, the people of Norfolk Island to this day remain firmly convinced of our democratic right to govern themselves according to our own laws and customs.We trust that, in our discussions with Australia over this issue, justice and fairness will prevail, with a positive outcome for the rights and well being of the Norfolk Island people.