Norfolk Island, through the Administrator, has a direct line of communication with the Minister for Territories and other Australian Government ministers. This access is significant in comparison to other Australian communities.

Thank you to the Norfolk Island community for their involvement in discussions last week as part of the second round of consultation around changes to the Norfolk Island traffic laws, with a focus on ute tray riding.

It was pleasing to see a wide range of people attending the targeted meetings and the drop-in event to share their views. The meetings were constructive and produced valuable feedback. 

Key points made by participants include:

I was fortunate to commence my most recent trip to Canberra for Government engagements (6 to 13 September) as a passenger on the inaugural Air Chathams passenger service to Auckland. Air Chathams is a family business and it was important as the Administrator of Norfolk Island to support Craig and Duane Emeny, in recognition of the challenges they have overcome to establish this regular service and their commitment to our community and the opportunities ahead.

Recently Norfolk Island has faced a shortage in local honey supply. This is due to a number of environmental factors, some of which are not unique to Norfolk Island and being experienced globally.

The past two years have seen periods of low rainfall and prolonged dry periods, which has affected the number of flowers (food) for Norfolk Island honey bees. As a result, less honey is able to be harvested and produced for the island locally in the short term and existing stores of honey have been exhausted.

The Australian Government is developing options to ensure the Home Care Packages program is fully established on Norfolk Island to better support our residents. I want to keep you updated as we go through this process.

Home Care Packages (HCP) provide eligible older Australians access to affordable home care and assistance services– ranging from personal care and nursing, to specialised in home support including modifications and assistive equipment.

Eligibility for the packages requires assessment and approval by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

I had the great pleasure of swearing in five new Australian citizens in a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, September 3.

I would like to welcome and congratulate Amanda and Sam Cribb, Paul Browne, Richard Lee and Ghee Keng Tina Siah.

These five new citizens were joined by family and friends as they made the pledge of commitment to Australia, the nation they have chosen to call home.

It was a very moving experience for all in attendance.

Eric Hutchinson
September 2019