Media release

03 May 2017

Today I"m pleased to confirm that two charter flights have been commissioned to address the issue of freight waiting for shipment to Norfolk Island. These flights will operate on May 19 and 20 and should clear the known backlog of freight at Sydney and Brisbane airports.

25 November is White Ribbon Day. This day marks a national, male-led campaign to end men's violence against women.

I will be inviting the Norfolk Island community to stand up and join me with your support (along with the many supporters across Australia, and globally) through participating in events to raise awareness and community discussion of these important issues.

Media release

09 August 2017

Media release

22 September 2017

The Australian Government is modernising laws on Norfolk Island to protect children, women and all other residents against criminal violence and other illegal acts.

As the representative of the Australian Government on Island, I seek feedback from the Norfolk Island community on these changes, including:

I am pleased to announce that Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, Minister for Local Government and Territories, has appointed Ms Wendy Cull to the office of Chief Magistrate of the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island, for a period of five years commencing this week.

Recently I provided advice to the community about several proposed changes to Norfolk Island legislation.

The Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), made the Norfolk Island Continued Laws Amendment (2017 Measures No 1) Ordinance 2017 on 18 May 2017which will bring these changes into effect.

• Australian Government gives more control over airport management to Norfolk Island Regional Council
• The Absentee Landowners Levy will be scrapped from 2017
• Norfolk Island will be made a more attractive destination for airlines

The Australian Government has been working with the Norfolk Island Regional Council and has made several changes to Norfolk Island laws which will benefit Norfolk Island.

The Council had asked the Government for the airline and Absentee Landowners Levy changes.

The changes are:

Media release

15 September 2017

Progress continues to be made on the implementation of reforms. The Australian Government is committed to normalising the delivery of a range of services for the Norfolk Island community.

Proposed changes to prohibit ownership of firearm silencers, increase the fee unit and improve the application of the child welfare, domestic violence and a small number of other laws on Norfolk Island will be considered by the Australian Government in the coming weeks as a part of ongoing reforms and updates to Norfolk Island legislation.