The Federal election was called on 28 March 2025. As this website is hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

Coronavirus response—Jervis Bay Territory Public Health Emergency Declaration

On 22 April, a Public Health Emergency Declaration was made for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT).

A Public Health Emergency Direction was issued under this Declaration. The Direction will assist Emergency Services and other local authorities supporting the JBT to manage the spread of COVID-19, with the health and wellbeing of the JBT community being the first priority.

This Direction will continue until the Public Health Emergency Declaration ends, unless it is revoked earlier.

Coronavirus response—state of emergency declared in Jervis Bay Territory

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared state of emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for the period 25 March 2020 to 23 April 2020, to 24 April to 23 May 2020 as part of the ongoing response to the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation.

This has been done to protect and best support the JBT, with the health and wellbeing of the community being the first priority.

As at 7 May 2020, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.

Community Matters—Consultation on traffic laws

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

Work is underway to improve the operation of traffic laws in Norfolk Island to provide a safer environment for drivers, passengers and bystanders.

Australian National Audit Office report released

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) final audit report on Norfolk Island reforms has been published. The outcomes of the ANAO audit were tabled in parliament. A copy of the report is available on the ANAO's website at www.anao.gov.au/pubs.

Connecting with the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area: Heritage Manager's Update

Thank you to everyone that has welcomed me to the island and taken the time to share your tremendous knowledge about the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) and Norfolk Island’s history, as well as your ideas for the area’s future. I’m incredibly honoured to be working at such a truly unique heritage site, and look forward to working with the community to conserve and enhance KAVHA for future generations.

Tender release — operation and maintenance of the Norfolk Island passenger transfer vessels

Information on the three passenger transfer vessels, funded by the Australian Government, to support the Norfolk Island tourist industry was recently published. These vessels are due on Island in July 2019 in readiness for the cruise ships season scheduled to commence this October.

A tender for the operation and maintenance of the Norfolk Island passenger transfer vessels is expected to be released on Austender, at www.tenders.gov.au, during the week commencing 10 June 2019.

Norfolk Island Local Government Election

Residents of Norfolk Island are being asked to check their enrolment on the Australian electoral roll by 3 August 2020, before the next election of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (the Council), which is due to take place on 12 September 2020.

COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 7 April 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By doing this, the JBT community will continue to be protected and supported during this time, with the health and wellbeing of the community the first priority.

As at 7 April 2021, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.

COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory

2 September 2020

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 31 August 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By doing this, the JBT community will continue to be protected and supported during this time, with the health and wellbeing of the community the first priority.

As at 31 August 2020, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.

Young people pitch ideas to make regional Australia even better

Members of the public are invited to Parliament House Theatre in Canberra at 11am on Thursday 12 January to see inspiring young people discuss ways to improve the lives of young people in regional Australia.

The Heywire Summit Ideas Launch will see 40 young people from across Australia pitch their ideas on how to make positive changes in their communities, to a panel featuring Headspace CEO Chris Tanti, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal CEO Alexandra Gartmann and 2009 Heywire alumni Amy Rhodes.
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