The Australian Government is continuing to ensure legal protections for Norfolk Island residents are fit-for-purpose and comparable to those on mainland Australia.
After extensive and broad consultation with the Norfolk Island community between 2017 and 2019, including with a range of legal and health care professionals, a range of amendments to continued Norfolk Island laws have been made.
The Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment (Criminal and Civil Matters) Ordinance 2021 (the Ordinance) has updated a number of continued Norfolk Island laws such as the Bail Act 2005 (NI), Court of Petty Sessions Act 1960 (NI), Criminal Code 2007 (NI) and Criminal Procedure Act 2007 (NI). The amendments have made the provisions relating to court procedures and criminal prosecutions, more consistent with other Australian states and territories.
These amendments are now in effect.
A Fact Sheet about the amendments is available on the Legislation Updates webpage on the Department’s website at www.regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/legislation-updates.
The Ordinance and further information about the amendments can be found on the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
8 July 2021