Productive return to Norfolk for governance talks

Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP has visited Norfolk Island this week to progress key local governance matters in person. 

The Minister met with the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC) to discuss the ongoing development of the future bespoke governance model for the island.

This meeting builds on the Government’s recent response to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories’ (JSCNCET) report into Norfolk Island governance.

Since taking office, Minister McBain has prioritised finding a pathway forward for establishing a new democratically-elected governing body for Norfolk Island. 

The Minister appreciated the opportunity to sit down with the NIGC to confirm the scope of the new model, which the broader community will be updated on as the design progresses. 

The NIGC needs to develop a proposed model which has a solid revenue base to fund and deliver local government services to Norfolk Island. Commonwealth laws will continue to apply on Norfolk Island.

It remains the shared goal of the NIGC, community and Government to have the new governance body established as soon as possible. 

Minister McBain met with Norfolk Island Regional Council Administrator, Mike Colreavy and senior Council staff to discuss current priorities and transitional arrangements, as the Council approaches December 2024.

The Minister also toured a range of infrastructure projects which are funded by the Australian Government, as part of its ongoing investment in Norfolk Island’s sustainable future. 

This included the Kingston stage one sewer and roads projects, along with Cascade works including the passenger transfer vessel hardstand and the Slaughter Bay seawall.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP: 

“It’s been great to return to Norfolk Island and continue the open and productive exchange between our government and the community.

“I was particularly focused on meeting with the NIGC on the back of the JSCNET recommendations, to make sure we are in step and on track to deliver the bespoke model of governance that meets Norfolk Island’s needs.

“My priority is working in partnership with the community to establish a modern governance framework for Norfolk Island’s future.

“It was fantastic to see the significant progress we have already made in delivering the best outcomes in the interests of the Norfolk Island community in person – from governance to infrastructure.”