The Australian Government and the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) are preparing to open applications for financial assistance payments to Norfolk Island businesses affected by the current COVID-19 outbreak and travel restrictions.

As announced last week, the Government’s new relief scheme which is being delivered by NIRC will support our local businesses hit hard by the downturn in visitors caused by widespread COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions across Australia.

I thank all of you who participated in the recent consultations on the alternative site considerations for the new Norfolk Island Multipurpose Health Service (MPS) facility, which includes the current Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) site and two other potential locations.

Following close of public consultation on the first stage of reforms to the Transport Standards, a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) was drafted and provided to the National Accessible Transport Steering Committee (Steering Committee) in August 2021 for consideration.

The Decision RIS was drafted based on consultation findings and outlines the impacts of different options to address 16 areas of reform for the Transport Standards. These options will be presented for consideration by Transport Ministers in November 2021.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department) wants to ensure the Cocos communities understand recent decisions relating to accommodation leases of Commonwealth property on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to the provision of quality health services to local residents.

A new schedule of vehicle examination fees is being introduced in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from 1 July 2021.

It is important to make sure telecommunications infrastructure is available in real estate new developments.