This page provides general information about the governance and administration arrangements for the Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Legal framework

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an external territory of Australia. The Australian Government has the power to make laws for the government of any territory, including the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, under section 122 of the Australian Constitution.

I look forward to welcoming Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, on her first official visit to the beautiful Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI).

The Australian Government is extending the consultation period on proposed new recreational fishing legislation for Christmas Island (CI) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) until Sunday 1 September 2019, in response to significant community interest in the changes.