The development of an enduring partnership to deliver critical services—including health and school education—to Norfolk Island remains a key priority for the Australian Government.

I understand that there has recently been public discussion over potential arrangements for future service delivery that has led to uncertainty among the community. It is regrettable that this has occurred.

Following the temporary suspension of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC), the appointment of the interim administrator to run NIRC and the announcement of a public inquiry into the Council by an independent commissioner, I want to assure the community that these are normal processes designed to deliver better outcomes for Norfolk Island into the future.

Public inquiries—and the temporary suspension and interim administration process—are not uncommon in local government in NSW and other states.

The Advisory Committee for the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) met on Island last week to discuss key projects and priorities for the site. There was a strong feeling among the members of the Committee that management of the site had ‘turned a corner’ and that we are tracking toward some tangible changes and improvements.

The Australian Government is extending the time period for the community to have a say on proposed changes to the law dealing with Norfolk Island Regional Council elections.

Following a request from the Mayor of the Norfolk Island Regional Council, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development has agreed to extend the closing date for submissions on the Council elections discussion paper until Friday 23 August.

The Australian Government is continuing to progress the transition of the Norfolk Island Workers’ Compensation Scheme to new arrangements, with a tender process to secure a new provider planned to commence in November. 

The changes to delivery of workers compensation are being made in response to information from the Norfolk Island Regional Council that there could be a conflict of interest should it continue to deliver the service into the future. The conflict arises as the Council is the largest employer on the Island. 

While the tender process for the operation and maintenance of the passenger transfer vessels (PTVs) is still being finalised, the Department has entered into an interim contract with Transam Argosy for the scheduled October cruise ship visit.

This interim arrangement will ensure the PTVs are available to meet the visit of the Pacific Explorer due on Norfolk Island on 20 October 2019, in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to support the Norfolk Island tourism sector and economy.

Water security is the reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related risks. As such, water security is fundamental to the sustainability of any community, particularly to isolated communities such as Norfolk Island, as we all know well. While we are a most responsive and resilient community, shifting rainfall patterns, together with other extreme events or unexpected factors, could put our water security at risk.

As most residents would already be aware, the Australian Government is funding a project to develop a business case for a new health and aged care facility on Norfolk Island.

A team of Norfolk Island craftsmen has contributed to recent conservation and improvement works in Kingston, to enhance the appearance and amenity of the site for visitors and the community.

The Australian Government-funded project included the creation of hand-cut Norfolk Pine shingles to restore roofs at No. 2 and No. 3 Quality Row (The Duplex).
Other works included replacement of many of the timber bridges, new steps to Slaughter Bay beach and the ongoing refurbishment of all of the change rooms and toilets.