The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has released the Terms of Reference for an independent review of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) programme.

The Hon Warwick L Smith AM will conduct the review.

Mr Smith will examine the RDA programme framework, as well as governance and administration of the programme to make recommendations regarding its future scope, structure and delivery model.

The Australian Government provides regular updates to the community on the development and progress of programs and services for Norfolk Island.

The Australian Government values the contribution and engagement from everyone on Norfolk Island, including teaching staff and the parents and community members, who support the school on a daily basis. Securing a way forward with a new service delivery partner is one of the Australian Government's highest priorities.

The independent audit of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) continues to progress, with finalisation anticipated in early November.

The general manager of NIRC has briefed the elected councillors on the progress of the audit and the reasons for the work taking longer than originally anticipated.

This includes the high volume of submissions from the Norfolk Island community which the auditors have received and are considering as part of the process.

Thank you Adrian for the opportunity to address the IPA today.

I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to elders past, present and future.

I would like to talk to you about three things today.

First, a review of the Federal Government’s Budget announcements and outline some of the policy rationale behind them.

Mackay Regional Council in Queensland has won the 2016 National Award for Excellence in Local Government for its work in improving the management of community water resources.

The Council's project—Transforming a Water Business—was selected for the premier award of the National Awards for Local Government from a pool of 10 different category winners previously announced in April 2016.

Governance in Changing Democracy: achieving better outcomes

Dr Steven Kennedy PSM

I would like to acknowledge the Ngunnawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we meet. I would also like to pay respect to the Elders of the Ngunnawal people - past, present and emerging - and extend that respect to any other Indigenous Australians who are with us today.

The first stage of the preliminary site investigations on Norfolk Island following the detection of elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in the Mission Creek catchment area will conclude tomorrow.

Publication and notification of applications, and CTLS automated emails.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has updated its processes to more closely align with its obligations under the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 (the Act).