Norfolk Island official resigns in protest at Canberra governance decision

Norfolk Island's battle with the Australian federal government continues after the latest governance edict.

One of the three people elected a year ago to the then newly established Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC) has resigned in protest.

Alma Davidson, in a public letter, said she had stood believing there would be goodwill to achieve an appropriate form of governance for the island.

Norfolk, which had had a significant level of autonomy from Australia, was absorbed directly into the country's local government system nearly eight years ago, sparking anger across the island.

This has inspired a number of campaigns including appeals to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, by groups wishing to re-establish a measure of their autonomy, or to sue for independence.

People on Norfolk have also questioned Australian possession of the island, given that, they say, Queen Victoria bequeathed the island to the former Pitcairn Islanders, when they were evacuated from that island in 1856.

Many Norfolk Islanders trace their heritage directly to Pitcairn.

In 2016 Canberra appointed an administrator, replacing the Norfolk elected government, ending the autonomy which had existed since 1979.

A new three person elected council was later set up but this didn't last long with Canberra blaming it for the island's grim financial status.

Norfolk has been attached to the Canberra suburban seat of Bean, but the islanders have no say at state level.

It is now included in the Queensland's Local Goverrnment system after New South Wales had provided services like health and education for several years.

Then last year Canberra allowed the set up of the Norfolk Island Governance Committee [NIGC] to repair the relationship with Canberra and develop a new system for running the island.

But in the interim the federal government has decided on its own approach;

Below is Minister McBain's press release on 13 November.

NEW LOCAL GOVERNANCE FOR NORFOLK ISLAND

The Australian Government has decided on a new bespoke local governance model for Norfolk Island, delivering on its commitment to restore local democracy.

The Norfolk Island Assembly will operate on four-year terms and comprise five elected members, including a full-time presiding officer.

It will be empowered to make local laws that support local service delivery.

There will be no changes to the application of Commonwealth laws to Norfolk Island, or the existing judicial framework and functions.

The Queensland Government will continue to deliver health support services, education, apprenticeships, traineeships, and correctional services.

The new model will come into effect by the end of 2025 or sooner, with the Norfolk Island Regional Council to continue providing services until the Assembly is established.

To support this transition, the Government will extend the Norfolk Island Regional Council's period of administration under the leadership of a new administration team.

Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain has appointed Scott Mason as Lead administrator, alongside Gary Mottau as the Financial Administrator - both commencing on 6 December 2024, following the conclusion of existing Administrator, Mike Colreavy's term.

Mr Mason has 32 years in local government including as a chief executive officer and now a consultancy owner.

Mr Mottau brings a wealth of financial and governance experience, and over four decades working with and in local government, including as a chief financial officer.

The new model was informed by the recommendations of the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC), which followed extensive community consultation.

Committee members says decision at odds with recommendation

But Alma Davidson said she did not stand to simply to continue the State disconnect which currently exists between the island and the mainland.

She said that despite the broad terms of reference originally given the NIGC the Federal Government has dismissed the concerns that have been raised.

Davidson said laws will be made by ordinance, "with the new Council to operate under an Ordinance based on the Queensland Local Government Act."

"Instead of establishing a new Norfolk Island Act, which was central to the NIGC's recommendations, the Government has opted to implement its changes via an Ordinance due to timing requirments," Alma Davidson said.

"While establishing a new Norfolk Island Act may take longer, it would align with the community's aspiration for Norfolk Island to have a secure and enduring governing constitution."

She said the ease with which Ordinances can be amended will undermine the stability of governance and further erode community trust.

Davidson said despite the broad Terms of Reference given to the NIGC, 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. Other matters have been deferred for future discussion between the new governing body and the Australian Government."

And finally Davidson is angry at Canberra's response to the formal request to define the nature of Norfolk Island's relationship with Australia.

She said Canberra regards Norfolk Island as an integral part of Australia, "however, this ambiguous statement overlooks the legal complexities that a thorough evaluation would reveal. For the past fifty years, the community has repeatedly urged the Australian Government to respect Norfolk Island's legal status as a 'distinct and separate settlement' and to establish a pathway toward formal decolonisation. Until addressed, these issues will continue to fuel conflict and mistrust in the relationship."

Davidson said these decisions fail to "reflect the will of the Norfolk Island Community." She said instead it ensures that all significant decisions regarding the future of Norfolk Island will continue to be made by the Australian Government."