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A new administration team has been named to help Norfolk Island Regional Council make the transition to local government.
And the island leadership is to revert to a four-year island assembly by the end of next year at the latest, says Federal Minister for Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain.
She named Scott Mason as Lead Administrator with Gary Mottau as Financial Administrator. Their terms start on December 6 after existing administrator Mike Colreavy’s term ends.
An Island Assembly will operate on four-year terms and comprise five elected members (including a full-time presiding officer).
There will be no changes to Commonwealth laws governing the Island or the existing judicial framework and functions.
The Queensland Government will continue to deliver health, education, apprenticeships, traineeships, and correctional services support.
The Norfolk Island Regional Council is to continue providing services until the Assembly is established, the minister says.
“Norfolk Islanders told us they wanted local representation and local decision-making restored ….”
“The Norfolk Island Assembly is something that’s been developed for the community, by the community,” she says.
She says the assembly has a key role to play in Norfolk’s financial sustainability and on-island capacity.
Federal MP for Bean, David Smith (whose electorate covers part of the ACT and the Island), says the assembly “is the next step” in building a future where local voices and expertise “are front and centre”.
“This is a significant moment for Norfolk Island,” he says.
The new model was recommended by the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC) with details about the election process to be spelt out next year, the government says.
Planning for draft laws for the new assembly is under way with public comment to be sought in mid-2025.
The island is roughly a 2.5-hour flight east from Brisbane and Sydney and north from Auckland.
