Earthquake disaster in Christchurch

I know all of you in our community will be sending thoughts of concern and caring to our New Zealand neighbours, and in particular to the people of Christchurch and surrounding communities who this week have been devastated by the earthquake that has seriously impacted on that city and its people. I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Rt Hon. John Key MP on behalf of my Assembly colleagues, and on your behalf, expressing our deepest sympathy to the people of New Zealand who have been tragically affected by this event.

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 2 March 2011

Minister Crean in his briefing of the community at the public reception at Government House on Wednesday 16 February 2011 spoke about the forthcoming visit to Canberra of Chief Minister David Buffett AM to continue the intergovernmental meetings on the future partnership between their respective governments. The Chief Minister and the Minister for Finance and The Attorney-General, the Hon Craig Anderson MLA depart this Sunday for Canberra to meet with the Minister. Ministers Buffett and Anderson have sought the support of Members of the Assembly to
adjourn the scheduled sitting on 2 March until Wednesday 9 March 2011 at 10 am in order to accommodate the ministerial visit to Canberra and provide an opportunity for our Ministers on their return to brief Members on their discussions and to report formally to the House on 9 March 2011.

Matters currently scheduled for discussion at the March sitting of the House can be found elsewhere in this publication.

Commonwealth Day 14 March 2011

Commonwealth Day approaches rapidly and I urge our young students at the Norfolk Island Central School to work hard on completing their projects to celebrate Commonwealth Day and this year’s theme “Women as Agents for Change”.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 25 February 2011

Visit of the Hon. Simon Crean, MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government

A warm welcome will be extended to Minister Crean during his visit to the Island on 15 and 16 February. All Members of the Assembly will have the opportunity to meet formally with the Minister as well as socially. The opportunity has been afforded to residents and community groups to meet with the Minister whilst he is here.

Commonwealth Day 14 March 2011

We were very pleased to receive advice overnight from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters in London that Mr Brent Adams, son of Joanne and Robert Adams, has been chosen to represent Norfolk Island at the Commonwealth Day Celebrations in London. Well done Brent.. We know you will do us proud. Some extracts from the CPA letter are worth sharing…

Quote . “…Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration of the Commonwealth association and its members. It brings together some 1.7 billion people – approximately 25 per cent of the world’s population - of many faiths, races, languages and traditions and our participants for Commonwealth Day 2011 will represent jurisdictions from right across the Commonwealth - from Canada to Sri Lanka and Australia to Singapore.

“The theme of Commonwealth Day 2011 is “Women as Agents of Change”. The celebration this year is particularly significant as the Association celebrates its centennial.

“Our intention in hosting you on Commonwealth Day is twofold – to promote the virtues of both the Commonwealth and parliamentary democracy to the younger generation, and to provide you with a memorable and enjoyable day of celebration of our association of nations. To that end, following suggestions from former participants of this event, we have devised a programme that we hope you will find both interesting and fun.

“After a tour of Parliament you will move to Conference Room E, 7 Millbank, (Map Key:) where after a brief introduction, participants will be asked to say a few words of introduction (a few details about yourself and the jurisdiction which you come from will suffice). The CPA Secretary-General, Dr. William F. Shija, Secretary-General, Commonwealth Secretariat will then commence a discussion with two Members of Parliament who will then give a presentation on the work of an MP. There will be an opportunity for questions.

“It is our honour and privilege this year to have Rt. Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, MP, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, and current Commonwealth Chairperson in Office, to come and address participants on the theme of Commonwealth Day “Women as Agents of Change”. There will be a discussion session with two High Commissioners to talk about their work followed by a buffet lunch, at which you will meet the staff of the CPA. At approximately 14.10, we will depart Westminster House, 7 Millbank for the short walk to Westminster Abbey.

“The Commonwealth Day Observance is a multi-faith service celebrating the Commonwealth. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh will be in attendance, along with H.E. Mr. Kamalesh Sharma (Secretary General of the Commonwealth). “. End quote.

We look forward to receiving a full report from Brent on his attendance.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 11 February 2011

This week: NICHE and Chief Magistrate the Hon Warren Donald

N.I.C.H.E – Norfolk Island Carbon Health Evaluation Project
We welcome back to Norfolk this week Professor Garry Egger and NICHE Project Manager Gary Webb, who are joined this time by Professor Boyd Swinburn from Deakin University Victoria on his first visit to Norfolk. Professor Swinburn spoke with Ian Webb on VL2NI Friday morning about his work with chronic disease and the potential value of the NICHE project. It is regrettable that Professor Robyn McDermott was unable to return with the team this time having been caught in Cairns because of Cyclone Yasi.

The research team are here to get the NICHE project underway. In last week’s paper expressions of interest were sought from community representatives to fill two voluntary positions on the N.I.C.H.E Committee and it is encouraging that expressions of interest have been received. This Saturday morning representatives from industry, government and key voluntary organisations will meet to decide the direction and to fine tune details of the NICHE program. In a recent press release Gary Webb, who is enrolled to carry out a PhD on the project, made it clear that it is important for the project to have local ownership if the project is going to work; and that total local interest and involvement will be needed.

Norfolk Island has already attracted world interest because of the project and committee representatives will no doubt find the project both challenging and stimulating. The outcome of the discussions over the next few days will be reported on next week.

Assembly business
This week saw a visit to the Island of His Honour Mr Warren Donald, the newly appointed Chief Magistrate of Norfolk Island. Members of the Assembly were able to meet and welcome His Honour over morning tea last Tuesday morning.

Tabling of papers in the Legislative Assembly
It is not uncommon after an Assembly meeting for the Speaker or the Clerk to the Legislative Assembly to receive requests for copies of papers tabled in the House in the belief that a tabled paper automatically available to the public. This is not so and readers may find the standing orders that apply to tabled papers helpful.

SO 196. Papers may be presented by the Speaker or an executive Member.

SO 197. Unless otherwise ordered all papers and documents presented to the House may be inspected at the offices of the House by Members and, with permission of the Speaker, by other persons.

SO 199 provides that a member may move “That the paper be printed” and if agreed the words “otherwise ordered” in SO 197 above come into play and the Speaker or the Clerk would then be able to make a copy of the tabled paper in question available.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 4 February 2011