The Chief Minister of Norfolk Island, Lisle Snell Photo: Supplied
The Chief Minister of Norfolk Island says the results of a local referendum have set the path for a fight with the Australian Government over the future of the island's self-governance.
Canberra wants to strip Norfolk of its long-time autonomy, including abolishing the legislative assembly and the island's parliament.
But in a referendum held on the island, 664 people voted 'yes' to the question of whether the island's people should have a say in determining Norfolk's own political status.
224 people voted 'no'.
Lisle Snell says the results show that an overwhelming majority of people want a say on the future of their island, not to have one imposed on them.
"A large majority is for the 'Yes' vote to ensure that any future governance for Norfolk Island is to be placed before the Norfolk Island community before the Commonwealth of Australia acts upon it. That's what they're asking for."
The Chief Minister of Norfolk Island, Lisle Snell.