Norfolk Islanders, unhappy with Canberra’s increasing interference in local affairs, are calling for greater autonomy or even independence from Australia. One of three governors appointed to run the territory has quit in protest.
In 1979, the island achieved self-rule and was governed by its own Legislative Assembly.
However, that ended in 2015 when the federal government appointed an administrator and, with the New South Wales (NSW) state government, took over the responsibility for funding and delivering all government services, sparking anger among residents.
The following year, elections were held for the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC).
However, despite the federal and state money, the Council quickly found itself in financial trouble, and elections were postponed twice, in 2020 and again in 2021.
The Commonwealth brought in independent auditors and instigated a public inquiry into the NIRC. The inquiry’s final report, published in November 2021, found the Council failed to adhere to adequate financial and asset management principles.
In response to these findings, in December 2021, the federal government dismissed the NIRC’s elected members.
It appointed Michael Colreavy as administrator for three years—a term expiring in 2024.
In a nod to local democracy, it also set up the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC), whose role is to provide “decisions, advice, and recommendations on the future governance of Norfolk Island.”
The Committee consists of Colreavy, three elected community representatives, one representative from the Australian government, and one from the Queensland government, which took over the support role from NSW in 2022.
However, Norfolk Island has been attached to the suburban Canberra seat of Bean, yet lack a voice in any level of Australian politics.
This situation has led to several campaigns, including appeals to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, by groups aiming to re-establish some autonomy or seek independence.
The Australian government’s decision to dismiss the NIGC process and instead impose its own “bespoke” model for the Island’s future governance has led one of the three elected members to resign in protest.
On Nov. 13, Territories Minister Kristy McBain announced that a new Norfolk Island Assembly will operate on four-year terms and comprise five elected members, including a full-time presiding officer.
While it would be “empowered to make local laws that support local service delivery,” there will be “no changes to the application of Commonwealth laws ... or the existing judicial framework and functions,” she said.
The Queensland government will continue to deliver health support services, education, apprenticeships, traineeships, and correctional services.
The change will happen in 2025, and in the interim, Colreavy will be replaced by Scott Mason as lead administrator, alongside Gary Mottau as financial administrator.
‘Disconnect’ Between the Island and the Mainland: Committee Member
However, elected Committee member Alma Davidson has resigned, saying in a public letter that she did not stand to continue the state disconnect that currently exists between the island and the mainland.“Despite my advocacy on your behalf, it is clear that the Australian Government has its own plans for Norfolk Island and has no intention of listening to or respecting the wishes of those in the community who willingly engaged in the NIGC process,” Davidson said.
“I am, therefore, unable to honestly represent those who voted for me based on my election platform.
“Regrettably, the NIGC process has failed the Norfolk Island community, and trust in the process has eroded. I have lost all confidence that it will achieve the best outcome for both Norfolk Island and Australia.”
Under McBain’s plan, laws would be made under an ordinance based on the Queensland Local Government Act.
Davidson and the two remaining elected members, Chris Magri and Chelsea Evans, claim this process is ineffective and not in accordance with Islanders’ wishes.
“Continuation of a local governance model established through an Ordinance will not ‘ensure a secure and genuinely democratic future for Norfolk Island and its people,’” they said in a statement. “We ... advocated for new primary legislation ... and at no stage did we agree to an Ordinance for expediency, nor in fact did the full NIGC.
“Despite statements made during Senate Estimates, the NIGC has not agreed to any recommendations for a governance model established within the local government framework.
“The community has overwhelmingly opposed the local government framework as it perpetuates the current state-level democratic deficit and remote administration of Norfolk Island, and would retain the current complex and operationally inefficient legislative and service delivery framework.”
Davidson also claims critical issues raised by the community have been dismissed as “out of scope.”
“These include direct population controls, reassessment of Commonwealth laws that negatively impact the island, and local control over Crown land,” she said.
Many residents trace their heritage directly to Pitcairn Islanders, who they say were bequeathed Norfolk Island by Queen Victoria when they were evacuated from that island in 1856. Thus, they view Australia’s claim of possession as illegal.
