One of the campaigners trying to retain Norfolk Island's self government says they are receiving more and more international backing.
Protest on Norfolk Island Photo: SUPPLIED
Today Norfolk formally becomes a regional council under New South Wales after Canberra removed its autonomy a year ago.
But there has been a long campaign to try and change Australian minds.
A former chief minister, Andre Nobbs, says they hope an appeal for listing as one of the UN's non-self-governing territories will be heard later this year.
He says they have also launched an appeal to the UN's Human Rights Council in Geneva and are preparing a case at the International Court of Justice.
"It's worth pointing out that we've seen these officials in London for the Human Rights Committee and they have absolutely endorsed the process and absolutely agree that what has occurred on Norfolk Island is absolutely wrong."