The Australian Government has engaged Qantas to deliver air services to and from Norfolk Island from 12 March 2021 to 18 March 2021, following ongoing uncertainty with quarantine-free travel arrangements between Australia and New Zealand.

Until this uncertainty is resolved, Air New Zealand is not able to deliver air services to and from Norfolk Island, as Air New Zealand crew are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Australia before crewing air services within Australia.

I want to remind the community about two opportunities next week to have your say on fire control and management on Norfolk Island.

Eco Logical Australia is on island from 2 March to commence work on the Norfolk Island Fire Management Plan (NIFMP). The NIFMP will provide the overarching framework for managing all fire risks on Norfolk Island.

If you would like to contribute to development of the NIFMP, there will be a community drop-in session with Eco Logical on Friday, 5 March, 11:30am–1:30pm at NI Connect, next door to the Bounty Centre.

I welcome the release of CSIRO’s findings from its Norfolk Island Water Resources Assessment (NIWRA) project, which will greatly assist us to better understand our water resources and manage water scarcity.

Earlier in the year the RDO amended its constitution in a number of areas taking into consideration feedback from the community specifically around membership of the RDO, its selection process, diversity and the number of RDO members.  As a result of these changes there is no longer an automatic appointment by the Shires on the RDO.

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.