Editing Norfolk Island (section)

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Politics of Norfolk Island}}
Norfolk Island was the only non-mainland [[States and territories of Australia|Australian territory]] to have had self-governance. The ''[[Norfolk Island Act 1979]]'', passed by the [[Parliament of Australia]] in 1979, is the Act under which the island was governed until the passing of the ''Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act'' 2015 (Cth).<ref name="Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015"/> The [[Government of Australia|Australian government]] maintains authority on the island through an [[List of administrative heads of Norfolk Island|Administrator]], currently George Plant.<ref name="hutchinson">{{cite news |date=11 May 2023 |title=Norfolk Island Administrator appointment |work=The Mirage |publisher= |url=https://www.miragenews.com/norfolk-island-administrator-appointment-1004127/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603142329/https://www.miragenews.com/norfolk-island-administrator-appointment-1004127/ |archive-date=3 June 2023}}</ref>

From 1979 to 2015, a [[Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] was elected by popular vote for terms of not more than three years, although legislation passed by the Australian Parliament could extend its laws to the territory at will, including the power to override any laws made by the assembly. The Assembly consisted of nine seats, with electors casting nine equal votes, of which no more than two could be given to any individual candidate. It is a method of voting called a "weighted [[first past the post]] system". Four of the members of the Assembly formed the [[Executive Council (Commonwealth countries)|Executive Council]], which devised policy and acted as an advisory body to the Administrator. The last Chief Minister of Norfolk Island was [[Lisle Snell]]. Other ministers included: Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development; Minister for Finance; Minister for Cultural Heritage and Community Services; and Minister for Environment.

All seats were held by independent candidates. Norfolk Island did not embrace party politics. In 2007, a branch of the [[Australian Labor Party]] was formed on Norfolk Island, with the aim of reforming the system of government.

Since 2018, residents of Norfolk Island have been required to enroll in the [[Division of Bean]]. As is the case for all Australian citizens, enrolment and voting for Norfolk Islanders is compulsory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aec.gov.au/Enrolling_to_vote/Special_Category/Norfolk_Island_electors.htm|title=Australian Electoral Commission: Norfolk Island electors|publisher=Medicare|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190123/http://www.aec.gov.au/Enrolling_to_vote/special_category/Norfolk_Island_electors.htm|archive-date=2 February 2018}}</ref>

Disagreements over the island's relationship with Australia were put in sharper relief by a 2006 review undertaken by the Australian government.<ref name="ag" /> Under the more radical of two models proposed in the review, the island's legislative assembly would have been reduced to the status of a [[Local government in Australia|local council]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4991322.stm|title=Battle for Norfolk Island|date=18 May 2007|publisher=[[BBC]]|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061124215737/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4991322.stm|archive-date=24 November 2006}}</ref> However, in December 2006, citing the "significant disruption" that changes to the governance would impose on the island's economy, the Australian government ended the review leaving the existing governance arrangements unaltered.<ref name="review">{{cite press release|url=http://ministers.dotars.gov.au/jl/releases/2006/December/L173_2006.htm|title=Norfolk Island Governance Arrangements|date=20 December 2006|publisher=Department of Transport and Regional Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031092253/http://ministers.dotars.gov.au/jl/releases/2006/December/L173_2006.htm|archive-date=31 October 2007}}</ref>

In a move that apparently surprised many islanders, the Chief Minister of Norfolk Island, David Buffett, announced on 6 November 2010 that the island would voluntarily surrender its self-government status in return for a financial bailout from the federal government to cover significant debts.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/mutineer-descendants-opt-for-bounty/comments-e6frfkvr-1225948125397 | first=Ean | last=Higgins | title=Mutineer descendants opt for bounty | work=The Australian |url-status = live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105211720/http://www.news.com.au/national/mutineer-descendants-opt-for-bounty/comments-e6frfkvr-1225948125397 | archive-date=5 November 2010}}</ref>

It was announced on 19 March 2015 that self-governance for the island would be revoked by the Commonwealth and replaced by a local council with the state of [[New South Wales]] providing services to the island. A reason given was that the island had never gained self-sufficiency and was being heavily subsidised by the Commonwealth, being given $12.5 million in 2015 alone. It meant that residents would have to start paying Australian income tax, but they would also be covered by Australian welfare schemes such as Centrelink and Medicare.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/mar/19/norfolk-island-self-government-to-be-revoked-and-replaced-by-local-council|title=Norfolk Island self-government to be replaced by local council|author=Shalailah Medhora|work=The Guardian|date=19 March 2015|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211082431/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/mar/19/norfolk-island-self-government-to-be-revoked-and-replaced-by-local-council|archive-date=11 February 2017}}</ref>

The Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly decided to hold a [[2015 Norfolk Island status referendum|referendum]] on the proposal. On 8 May 2015, voters were asked if Norfolk Islanders should freely determine their political status and their economic, social and cultural development, and to "be consulted at referendum or plebiscite on the future model of governance for Norfolk Island before such changes are acted upon by the Australian parliament".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269780/norfolk-island-to-go-ahead-with-governance-referendum|title=Norfolk Island to go ahead with governance referendum|date=27 March 2015|work=Radio New Zealand|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402170642/http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269780/norfolk-island-to-go-ahead-with-governance-referendum|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> 68% out of 912 voters voted in favour. The Norfolk Island Chief Minister, Lisle Snell, said that "the referendum results blow a hole in Canberra's assertion that the reforms introduced before the Australian Parliament that propose abolishing the Legislative Assembly and Norfolk Island Parliament were overwhelmingly supported by the people of Norfolk Island".<ref name="Radio New Zealand" />

The ''Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015'' passed the [[Australian Parliament]] on 14 May 2015 (assented on 26 May 2015), abolishing self-government on Norfolk Island and transferring Norfolk Island into a [[council]] as part of New South Wales law.<ref name="Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015"/>

Between 1 July 2016 and 1 January 2022, New South Wales provided state-based services. Since 1 January 2022, Queensland has provided state-based services directly for Norfolk Island.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Druce|first=Alex|date=26 October 2021|title=Why island paradise is switching states|work=news.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/norfolk-island-to-switch-from-nsw-to-qld-jurisdiction-under-new-federal-funding-deal/news-story/922e79ae54bbcb621190c0689eaf3654|access-date=26 October 2021|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026095537/https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/norfolk-island-to-switch-from-nsw-to-qld-jurisdiction-under-new-federal-funding-deal/news-story/922e79ae54bbcb621190c0689eaf3654|url-status=live}}</ref>

The island's official capital is [[Kingston, Norfolk Island|Kingston]]; it is, however, more a centre of government than a sizeable settlement. The largest settlement is at [[Burnt Pine]].

The most important local holiday is [[Bounty Day]], celebrated on 8 June, in memory of the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders in 1856.

Local ordinances and acts apply on the island, where most laws are based on the Australian legal system. Australian common law applies when not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law. [[Suffrage]] is universal at age eighteen.

As a territory of Australia, Norfolk Island does not have diplomatic representation abroad, or within the territory, and is also not a participant in any international organisations, other than sporting organisations.

The [[Flag of Norfolk Island|flag]] is three vertical bands of green, white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centred in the slightly wider white band.

The [[Norfolk Island Regional Council]] was established in July 2016 to govern the territory at the local level in line with [[local government in Australia|local governments in mainland Australia]].

=== Constitutional status ===
From 1788 until 1844, Norfolk Island was a part of the [[Colony of New South Wales]]. In 1844, it was severed from New South Wales and annexed to the Colony of [[Van Diemen's Land]].<ref name="Norfolk Island Act 1913"/>{{rp|Recital 2}} With the demise of the third settlement and in contemplation that the inhabitants of Pitcairn Island would move to Norfolk Island,<ref name="Royal Commission 1976">{{citation |title=Report of the Royal Commission into matters relating to Norfolk Island |chapter-url=http://www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/sites/default/files/public/documents/ANIReports/ExternalReports/1976%20Royal%20Commission%20Nimmo.pdf |chapter=Ch 5 Historical outline |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=7 June 2018 |date=October 1976 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112043756/http://www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/sites/default/files/public/documents/ANIReports/ExternalReports/1976%20Royal%20Commission%20Nimmo.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2018 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Newbery">''Newbery v The Queen'' (1965) 7 [[Federal Law Reports|FLR]] 34<!--not available free online--> (25 March 1965), [[Supreme Court of Norfolk Island]].</ref> the ''Australian Waste Lands Act'' 1855 (Imp), gave the Queen in Council the power to "separate Norfolk Island from the Colony of Van Diemen's Land and to make such provision for the government of Norfolk Island as might seem expedient".<ref name="Australian Waste Lands Act">{{citation |url=https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1855-29ab.pdf |title=Australian Waste Lands Act 1855 |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143736/https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1855-29ab.pdf |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status = live}} (Imp).</ref> In 1856, the Queen in Council ordered that Norfolk Island be a distinct and separate settlement, appointing the Governor of New South Wales to also be the Governor of Norfolk Island with "full power and authority to make laws for the order, peace, and good government" of the island.<ref name="1856 Order in Council">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228770954 |title=Proclamation – Norfolk Island |newspaper=[[Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales|NSW Government Gazette]] |issue=166 |date=1 November 1856 |access-date=8 June 2018 |page=2815 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215223249/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228770954 |url-status=live }}</ref> Under these arrangements Norfolk Island was effectively self-governing,<ref name="Kerr 2009"/> Although Norfolk Island was a colony acquired by settlement, it was never within the ''British Settlements Act''.<ref name=Roberts-Wray />{{rp|p 885 }}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/50-51/54|title=British Settlements Act 1887|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912055705/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/50-51/54|archive-date=12 September 2015}}</ref>

The constitutional status of Norfolk Island was revisited in 1894 when the British government appointed an inquiry into the administration of justice on the island.<ref name="Kerr 2009">{{cite book |last1=Kerr |first1=A |title=A Federation in These Seas: An account of the acquisition by Australia of its external territories |date=2009 |publisher=Australian Government |chapter=Ch 6: Norfolk Island |chapter-url=http://regional.gov.au/territories/publications/files/A_Federation_in_These_Seas_Part_2.pdf |access-date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404213529/http://regional.gov.au/territories/publications/files/A_Federation_in_These_Seas_Part_2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> By this time, there had been steps in Australia [[Constitutional history of Australia#Towards federation|towards federation]] including the [[Constitutional Convention (Australia)#1891 convention|1891 constitutional convention]]. There was a correspondence between the Governor of Norfolk Island, the British colonial office and the Governor of New Zealand as to how the island should be governed and by whom. Even within NSW, it was felt that "the laws and system of government in the Colony of New South Wales would not prove suitable to the Island Community".<ref name="Kerr 2009"/> In 1896, the Governor of New Zealand wrote "I am advised that, as far as my Ministers can ascertain, if any change is to take place in the government of Norfolk Island, the Islanders, while protesting against any change, would prefer to come under the control of New Zealand rather than that of New South Wales".<ref name="Kerr 2009"/>

The British government decided not to annex Norfolk Island to the Colony of NSW and instead that the affairs of Norfolk Island would be administered by the Governor of NSW in that capacity rather than having a separate office as Governor of Norfolk Island. The order-in-council contemplated the future annexation of Norfolk Island to the Colony of NSW or to any federal body of which NSW form part.<ref name="Kerr 2009"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222342410 |title=Proclamation |newspaper=[[Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales|NSW Government Gazette]] |issue=222 |date=19 March 1897 |access-date=8 June 2018 |pages=1968–9 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215223249/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222342410 |url-status=live }}</ref> Norfolk Island was not a part of NSW and residents of Norfolk Island were not entitled to have their names placed on the NSW electoral roll.<ref>{{Cite Hansard |jurisdiction=NSW |house=Legislative Assembly |title=Norfolk Island |url=https://api.parliament.nsw.gov.au/api/hansard/search/daily/searchablepdf/HANSARD-290296563-11312 |date=22 December 1898 |page=3995 |speaker=George Reid |position=Premier |access-date=12 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142154/https://api.parliament.nsw.gov.au/api/hansard/search/daily/searchablepdf/HANSARD-290296563-11312 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142154/https://api.parliament.nsw.gov.au/api/hansard/search/daily/searchablepdf/HANSARD-290296563-11312 |date=12 June 2018 }}</ref> Norfolk Island was accepted as a territory of Australia, separate from any state, by the ''Norfolk Island Act'' 1913 (Cth),<ref name="Norfolk Island Act 1913">{{cite Legislation AU|Cth|num_act|nia1913151913185|Norfolk Island Act 1913}}.</ref> passed under the territories power,<ref name="s122">{{Cite Legislation AU|Cth|act|coaca430|Constitution|122}} Government of territories.</ref> and made effective in 1914.<ref name="Proclamation: Norfolk Island Act 1913">{{cite news |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/file/1914GN35|title=Proclamation: Norfolk Island Act 1913 |newspaper=[[Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|Australian Government Gazette]] |issue=35 |date=17 June 1914 |access-date=8 June 2018 |page=1043 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142334/https://www.legislation.gov.au/file/1914GN35 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status = live}}.</ref> Norfolk Island was given a limited form of self-government by the ''Norfolk Island Act'' 1979 (Cth).<ref name="Norfolk Island Act 1979">{{cite Legislation AU|Cth|num_act|nia1979158|Norfolk Island Act 1979}}.</ref>

There have been four challenges to the constitutional validity of the Australian Government's authority to administer Norfolk Island:
*In 1939, Samuel Hadley argued that the only valid laws in Norfolk Island were those made under the 1856 Order in Council and that all subsequent laws were invalid; his case was rejected by the [[High Court of Australia|High Court]].<ref name="1939 jersey bull">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231509159 |title=Six judges in case on jersey bull |newspaper=[[The Sun (Sydney)|The Sun]] |date=27 November 1939 |access-date=11 June 2018 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215223336/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231509159 |url-status=live }} (not in law reports)</ref>
*In 1965, the [[Supreme Court of Norfolk Island]] rejected Henry Newbery's appeal against conviction for failing to apply to be enrolled to vote in Norfolk Island Council elections. He had argued that in 1857 Norfolk Island had a constitution and a legislature such that the Crown could not abolish the legislature nor place Norfolk Island under the authority of Australia. In the Supreme Court, Eggleston J considered the constitutional history of Norfolk Island and concluded that the ''Australian Waste Lands Act'' 1855 (Imp) authorised any form of government, representative or non-representative, and that this included placing Norfolk Island under the authority of Australia.<ref name="Newbery"/>
*As a result of the Australian Government's decision in 1972 to prevent Norfolk Island from being used as a tax haven, Berwick Ltd claimed to be resident in Norfolk Island but was convicted of failing to lodge a tax return. One of the arguments for Berwick Ltd was that Norfolk Island, as an external territory, was not part of Australia in the constitutional sense. In 1976, the High Court unanimously rejected this argument, approving the ''Newbery'' decision and holding that Norfolk Island was a part of Australia.<ref>{{cite AustLII|HCA|12|1976|litigants=Berwick Ltd v Gray |parallelcite=(1976) 133 [[Commonwealth Law Reports|CLR]] 603 |date=30 March 1976}}.</ref>
*In 2004 the Australian Government amended the ''Norfolk Island Act'' 1979 (Cth) to remove the right for non-Australian citizens to enrol and stand for election to the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island.<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|Cth|num_act|niaa2004238|Norfolk Island Amendment Act 2004}}.</ref> The validity of the amendments was challenged in the High Court, arguing that as an external territory Norfolk Island was not part of Australia in the constitutional sense and that disenfranchising residents of Norfolk Island who were not Australian citizens was inconsistent with self-government. In 2007, the High Court of Australia rejected these arguments, again approving the ''Newbery'' decision and holding that Norfolk Island was part of Australia and that self-government did not require residency rather than citizenship to determine the entitlement to vote.<ref>{{cite AustLII|HCA|18|2007|litigants=Bennett v Commonwealth |parallelcite=(2007) 231 [[Commonwealth Law Reports|CLR]] 91}} {{citation |url=http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2007/hca18-2007-04-27.pdf |title=judgment summary |publisher=[[High Court of Australia|High Court]] (Australia) |date=27 April 2007 |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425143746/http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2007/hca18-2007-04-27.pdf |archive-date=25 April 2018 |url-status = live}}.</ref>

The Government of Australia thus holds that:
: Norfolk Island has been an integral part of the Commonwealth of Australia since 1914, when it was accepted as an Australian territory under section 122 of the Constitution. The Island has no international status independent of Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/fact-sheets/Norfolk-Island-overview.aspx |title=Fact Sheet: About Norfolk Island |publisher=Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401100449/http://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/fact-sheets/Norfolk-Island-overview.aspx |archive-date=1 April 2015 |access-date=9 March 2015}}</ref>

Much of the self-government under the 1979 legislation was repealed with effect from 2016.<ref name="Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015">{{cite Legislation AU|Cth|num_act|nilaa2015350|Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015}}.</ref> The reforms included, to the chagrin of some of the locals of Norfolk Island, a repeal of the preambular sections of the Act which originally were 3–4 pages recognising the particular circumstances in the history of Norfolk Island.<ref>''Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015'' (Cth) [http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/nilaa2015350/sch1.html Schedule 1, Div. 1 s 1].</ref>

Consistent with the Australian position, the United Nations Decolonization Committee<ref>United Nations Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples</ref> does not include Norfolk Island on its list of [[non-self-governing territories]].

This legal position is disputed by some residents on the island. Some islanders claim that Norfolk Island was actually granted independence at the time [[Queen Victoria]] granted permission to Pitcairn Islanders to re-settle on the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitcairners.org/government3.html|title=History|work=Norfolk Island's relationship with Australia|publisher=Norfolk Island|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204204621/http://www.pitcairners.org/government3.html|archive-date=4 February 2012}}</ref>

Following reforms to the status of Norfolk Island, there were mass protests by the local population.<ref>{{cite web|title = Mass protest on Norfolk Island|url = http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/285463/mass-protest-on-norfolk-island|website = Radio New Zealand| date=28 September 2015 |access-date = 27 December 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160105083257/http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/285463/mass-protest-on-norfolk-island|archive-date = 5 January 2016}}</ref> In 2015, it was reported that Norfolk Island was taking its argument for self-governance to the United Nations.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://au.news.yahoo.com/sunday-night/features/a/30360076/norfolk-island-this-isnt-australia/|title = norfolk-island-this-isnt-australia|access-date = 28 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Could Australia let Christmas Island go?|url = http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/12/18/could-australia-let-christmas-island-go|website = SBS News|access-date = 27 December 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151227134012/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/12/18/could-australia-let-christmas-island-go|archive-date = 27 December 2015}}</ref> A campaign to preserve the island's autonomy was formed, named Norfolk's Choice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.norfolkschoice.com/ |title=Norfolk's Choice |publisher=Norfolkschoice.com |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=17 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716113207/http://www.norfolkschoice.com/ |archive-date=16 July 2016 }}</ref> A formal petition was lodged with the United Nations by [[Geoffrey Robertson]] on behalf of the local population on 25 April 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/norfolk-island-residents-petition-un-over-australian-recolonisation-20160426-gofozv.html|title = Norfolk Island residents petition UN over Australian 're-colonisation'|website = The Age|date = 27 April 2016|access-date = 27 April 2016|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161017200707/http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/norfolk-island-residents-petition-un-over-australian-recolonisation-20160426-gofozv.html|archive-date = 17 October 2016}}</ref>

Various suggestions for retaining the island's self-government have been proposed. In 2006, a UK MP, [[Andrew Rosindell]], raised the possibility of the island becoming a self-governing [[British Overseas Territory]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Table Office, House of Commons |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmordbk1/60621w01.htm |title=UK Parliament, written questions 21 June 2006 |publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom |access-date=17 July 2016 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422070854/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmordbk1/60621w01.htm |archive-date=22 April 2016}}</ref><!--he doesn't seem to have got a public answer and any private answer was presumably short--> In 2013, the island's last chief minister, [[Lisle Snell]], suggested independence, to be supported by income from fishing, offshore banking and foreign aid.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11147246|last=Marks|first=Kathy|title=Norfolk Islanders face dire straits|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=28 October 2013|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308110112/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11147246|archive-date=8 March 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

The laws of Norfolk Island were in a transitional state, under the Norfolk Island Applied Laws Ordinance 2016 (Cth), from 2016 until 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017C00069|title=Norfolk Island Applied Laws Ordinance 2016|website=Federal Legislative Register|date=20 January 2017 |access-date=28 December 2017|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231552/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017C00069|archive-date=8 December 2017}}</ref> Laws of New South Wales as applying in Norfolk Island were suspended (with five major exceptions, which the 2016 Ordinance itself amended) until the end of June 2018. From 1 July 2018, all laws of New South Wales apply in Norfolk Island and, as "applied laws", are subject to amendment, repeal or suspension by federal ordinance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/policy-and-governance/norfolk-island-legislation|title=Norfolk Island Legislation|website=Norfolk Island Regional Council|date=22 March 2017|access-date=28 December 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228113840/http://www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/policy-and-governance/norfolk-island-legislation|archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/governance/legislation-updates.aspx|title=Legislation updates|website=Australian Government: Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities|access-date=22 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321232210/https://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/governance/legislation-updates.aspx|archive-date=21 March 2019|url-status = live}}</ref> The Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) has been amended for application to Norfolk Island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/governance/files/Local_Government_Act_1993_Comp_No.2.pdf|title=Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) (NI)|website=Australian Government: Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities|access-date=22 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310061520/https://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/governance/files/Local_Government_Act_1993_Comp_No.2.pdf|archive-date=10 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Immigration and citizenship ===
{{See also|Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa}}
The island was subject to separate immigration controls from the remainder of Australia. Before 1 July 2016, immigration to Norfolk Island, even by other Australian citizens was heavily restricted.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Norfolk Island Legislation (Migration) Transitional Rule 2016|url=http://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L01117/Explanatory%20Statement/Text|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129103420/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L01117/Explanatory%20Statement/Text|archive-date=29 January 2021|access-date=29 January 2021|website=Federal Register of Legislation|language=en}}</ref> In 2012, immigration controls were relaxed with the introduction of an Unrestricted Entry Permit<ref name=FS59>{{cite web | url= https://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/59norfolk.htm | title= Fact Sheet 59 – Immigration Arrangements for Norfolk Island | publisher= Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Australia | date= January 2014 | access-date= 17 February 2015 |url-status = dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150216085446/http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/59norfolk.htm | archive-date= 16 February 2015}}</ref> for all Australian and New Zealand citizens upon arrival and the option to apply for residency; the only criteria were to pass a police check and be able to pay into the local health scheme.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.channersonnorfolk.com/move-to-norfolk-island | title= Thinking of Moving to Norfolk Island? | website= channersonnorfolk.com |url-status = dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211222193839/https://www.channersonnorfolk.com/move-to-norfolk-island | archive-date= 22 December 2021}}</ref> From 1 July 2016, the Australian migration system [[Australian_migration_zone#Bringing_Norfolk_Island_within_the_zone|replaced]] the immigration arrangements previously maintained by the Norfolk Island Government.<ref>{{cite web|title = Speech – Second Reading, Norfolk Island Reform – Thursday, 26 March 2015 > Jamie Briggs MP > Media|url = http://www.jamiebriggs.com.au/MayoMedia/Media/tabid/64/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1516/Speech-Second-Reading-Norfolk-Island-Reform-Thursday-26-March-2015.aspx|website = jamiebriggs.com.au|access-date = 28 December 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119045907/http://www.jamiebriggs.com.au/MayoMedia/Media/tabid/64/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1516/Speech-Second-Reading-Norfolk-Island-Reform-Thursday-26-March-2015.aspx|archive-date = 19 January 2016}}</ref> Holders of Australian visas who travelled to Norfolk Island would have departed the [[Australian Migration Zone]] before 1 July 2016. Unless they held a multiple-entry visa, the visa would have ceased; in which case they would require another visa to re-enter mainland Australia.<ref name=FS59 /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/reforms/domestic-travel.aspx|title=Factsheet: Domestic travel between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia|first=Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and|last=Cities|website=Infrastructure and Regional Development|access-date=6 February 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720172804/http://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/reforms/domestic-travel.aspx|archive-date=20 July 2017}}</ref>

Australian citizens and residents from other parts of the nation now have an automatic right of residence on the island after meeting these criteria (Immigration (Amendment No. 2) Act 2012). Australian citizens can carry either a passport or a form of photo identification to travel to Norfolk Island. The [[Document of Identity (Australia)|Document of Identity]], which is no longer issued, is also acceptable within its validity period. Citizens of all other nations must carry a passport to travel to Norfolk Island even if arriving from other parts of Australia.

Non-Australian citizens who are permanent residents of Norfolk Island may apply for Australian citizenship after meeting normal residence requirements and are eligible to take up residence in mainland Australia at any time through the use of a Confirmatory (Residence) visa (subclass 808).<ref>[https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/808- Confirmatory (Residence) visa (subclass 808)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702035259/http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/808- |date=2 July 2016 }}</ref> Children born on Norfolk Island are Australian citizens as specified by [[Australian nationality law]].

=== Health care ===
[[Norfolk Island Hospital]] is the only medical centre on the island. Since 1 July 2016, medical treatment on Norfolk Island has been covered by [[Medicare (Australia)|Medicare]] and the [[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme]] as it is in Australia. Emergency medical treatment is covered by Medicare or a private health insurer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/reforms/domestic-travel.aspx|title=Factsheet: Domestic travel between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia|publisher=Dept of Infrastructure and Regional Development|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720172804/http://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/reforms/domestic-travel.aspx|archive-date=20 July 2017}}</ref> Although the hospital can perform minor surgery, serious medical conditions are not permitted to be treated on the island and patients are flown back to mainland Australia. Air charter transport can cost as much as {{currency|30,000|AUD}}, which is covered by the Australian Government. For serious emergencies, [[medical evacuation]]s were provided by the [[Royal Australian Air Force]]; currently this service is provided by Australian Retrieval Services. The island has one ambulance, staffed by one employed St John Officer and a group of [[St John Ambulance Australia]] volunteers.

The lack of medical facilities available in most remote communities has a major impact on the health care of Norfolk Islanders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/administrator/media/2018/ni-a-mr-201801.aspx|title=Providing quality health services to Norfolk Island|website=Australian Government|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205021253/https://www.regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/administrator/media/2018/ni-a-mr-201801.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> As is consistent with other extremely remote regions, many older residents move to New Zealand or Australia to access the required medical care.

=== Defence and law enforcement ===
Defence is the responsibility of the [[Australian Defence Force]]. There are no active military installations or defence personnel on Norfolk Island. The Administrator may request the assistance of the Australian Defence Force if required. As part of "Operation Resolute", the [[Royal Australian Navy]] and [[Australian Border Force]] deploy {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|5}} and {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|0}} patrol boats to carry out civil maritime security operations in Australian mainland and offshore territories including Norfolk Island, the [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]], [[Christmas Island]], the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]], [[Macquarie Island]], and [[Lord Howe Island]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/resolute |title=Operation Resolute |website=Australian Government – Defence |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820144434/https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/resolute |url-status=live }}</ref> In part to carry out this mission, as of 2023, the Navy's ''Armidale''-class boats are in the process of being replaced by larger {{sclass|Arafura|offshore patrol vessel|1}}s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/future/opv |title=Arafura Class OPV |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108031112/https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/future/opv |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023, Australian and American forces conducted joint [[military exercise]]s in the vicinity of Norfolk Island signifying the island's potential as a staging base for peacekeeping, disaster-relief and other operations in the South Pacific.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-07-28/largest-sea-crossing-talisman-sabre |title=Largest sea crossing for Talisman Sabre |access-date=2023-08-19 |date=28 July 2023 |website=Australian Government – Defence |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819145141/https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-07-28/largest-sea-crossing-talisman-sabre |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rusinsw.org.au/Papers/2021AU04.pdf |title=Forward operating bases: is there a place for them in Australia's new defence strategy? |access-date=2023-08-19 |date=March 2021 |last1=Leece |first1=D.R. |last2=Wolfe |first2=I.M.C. |website=RUSI New South Wales |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819145140/https://www.rusinsw.org.au/Papers/2021AU04.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Civilian law enforcement and community policing are provided by the [[Australian Federal Police]]. The normal deployment to the island is one [[sergeant]] and two [[constable]]s. These are augmented by five local Special Members who have police powers but are not AFP employees.

=== Courts ===
The [[Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions]] is the equivalent of a [[Australian court hierarchy|Magistrates Court]] and deals with minor criminal, civil or regulatory matters. The Chief Magistrate of Norfolk Island is usually the current Chief Magistrate of the [[Australian Capital Territory]]. Three local [[Justice of the Peace|Justices of the Peace]] have the powers of a Magistrate to deal with minor matters.

The [[Supreme Court of Norfolk Island]] deals with more serious criminal offences, more complex civil matters, administration of deceased estates and federal laws as they apply to the Territory. The Judges of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island are generally appointed from among Justices of the [[Federal Court of Australia]] and may sit on the Australian mainland or convene a [[circuit court]]. Appeals are to the Federal Court of Australia.

As stated by the Legal Profession Act 1993,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016Q00032|title=Legal Profession Act 1993 (NI)|last=Infrastructure|publisher=legislation.gov.au|access-date=8 December 2017|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044556/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016Q00032|archive-date=9 December 2017}}</ref> "a resident practitioner must hold a Norfolk Island practising certificate." {{As of|2014}}, only one lawyer maintained a full-time legal practice on Norfolk Island.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/access-justice/submissions/submissions-test2/submission-counter/subdr260-access-justice.pdf|title=SUBMISSION TO PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION INQUIRY ACCESS TO JUSTICE ARRANGEMENTS By the Chief Minister of Norfolk Island as Minister for Justice and Minister responsible for the Legal Aid Act 1995 (Norfolk Island) and the Legal Profession Act 1993|last=Snell|first=Lisle|date=May 2014|website=The Government of Norfolk Island|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904092906/http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/access-justice/submissions/submissions-test2/submission-counter/subdr260-access-justice.pdf|archive-date=4 September 2017}}</ref>

=== Census ===
Until 2016, Norfolk Island took its own censuses, separate from those taken by the [[Australian Bureau of Statistics]] for the remainder of Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/2901.0Chapter43702016|title=2901.0 – Census Dictionary, 2016 – Norfolk Island|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|date=23 August 2016|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131185549/http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/2901.0Chapter43702016|archive-date=31 January 2017}}</ref>

=== Postal service ===
{{see also|Postage stamps and postal history of Norfolk Island}}
Prior to 2016, the [[Norfolk Island Postal Service]] was responsible for mail receipt and delivery on the island and issued its own postage stamps. With the merger of Norfolk Island as a regional council, the Norfolk Island Postal Service ceased to exist and all postage is now handled by [[Australia Post]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.norfolkonlinenews.com/non-norfolk-island-in-the-news/end|title=END OF AN ERA: NORFOLK ISLAND HAS ISSUED ITS FINAL POSTAGE STAMP ... by Linn's stamp News|website=norfolkonlinenews.com|access-date=26 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206065236/http://www.norfolkonlinenews.com/non-norfolk-island-in-the-news/end|archive-date=6 February 2018}}</ref> Australia Post sends and receives mail from Norfolk Island with the postcode 2899.