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

The week of the 22nd of November

Flags flew at half mast in the community yesterday as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the New Zealand mining disaster this week and the Acting Chief Minister Andre Nobbs has written to the Prime Minister of New Zealand expressing our sincere sympathy to our New Zealand neighbours with whom we share deep and longstanding community ties.

Thanksgiving Day has been celebrated and thanks given for our Bounty. Prayers of support and good wishes were said in churches across our community for the best outcome to flow from the discussions scheduled to take place in Canberra on the 26th November between our Chief Minister the Hon David Buffett AM, the Minister for Finance the Hon Craig Anderson MLA and the Federal Minister Simon Crean MP.

Yesterday afternoon at 4 pm a very wide cross-section of island people, representing many age groups and walks of life, gathered at All Saints Church to pray for the best outcome for the Island from these discussions. The service was timed to coincide with the meeting in Canberra and the Legislative Assembly was represented by Government Ministers, Assembly members and parliamentary staff.

As I write this week’s Your Parliament Your Voice (2 pm Friday) we are yet to receive advice on the outcome of the discussions; however the Chief Minister will brief members of the Assembly at 4.30 pm this Sunday following his arrival back on Island that afternoon with briefing of the community as soon as practicable thereafter.

The next sitting of the Legislative Assembly will be held on Wednesday 1 December 2010 at 10 am and matters listed for discussion can be read elsewhere in this publication.

At the sitting of the House on 3 November 2010 the Legislative Assembly agreed to the appointment by the Speaker of Mrs Rosemarie Gaye Evans JP as the Clerk to the Legislative Assembly and it gives me pleasure to advise that I have formalised the appointment of Mrs Evans to this senior position in the parliamentary service with effect Thursday 25 November 2010.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 26 November 2010 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

Financial Arrangement With Commonwelath Government

From the Office of the Speaker

The Legislative Assembly met on 3 November 2010 with all Members present. The first substantial matter on the Programme was a Matter of Public Importance raised by the Chief Minister, the Hon David Buffett AM who announced the taking pace of discussions with the Commonwealth Government on financial and associated arrangements for Norfolk Island. A statement by the Chief Minister on this matter can be found elsewhere in the Norfolk Islander and in Norfolk Online.

The following matters on the Notice Paper were addressed –

1. The appointment under section 48 of the Legislative Assembly Act 1979 (the Act)of Rosemarie Gaye Evans as Clerk to the Legislative Assembly on the terms and conditions contained in the Schedule tabled in the House. The motion, proposed by Chief Minister Buffett, was agreed.

2. Mrs Patricia Anderson was re-appointed as a community member of the Social Services Board for a period of 3 years on the motion of the Minister for Community Services, Mr Tim Sheridan.
3. Mr Tim Rogers was appointed as a member of the Immigration Committee for the period 4 November 2010 to 3 November 2012 on the motion of the Minister for Finance & the Attorney-General, Mr Anderson.
4. The Chief Minister, Mr David Buffett, presented the Provident Account (Amendment) Bill 2010. Debate on the Bill has been adjourned until a later sitting.

The next sitting of the Assembly will take place on 1 December 2010 at 10 am.

Staff engaged in the Legislative Assembly complex
at Old Military Barracks

In my debate supporting the appointment of Mrs Evans as Clerk I gave an undertaking as Speaker to review our parliamentary service to ensure that the Assembly and its committees are appropriately resourced into the future. At present the Legislative Assembly Act only allows for the appointment of a Clerk and a person appointed to act as the Clerk, a role that Mrs Evans fulfilled for 16 years before being appointed Clerk this week.

The following staff are currently employed at Old Military Barracks:

Ms Elizabeth Burns (left),
Chief of Staff
(formerly titled Secretary to Government)

Ms Alma Davidson (right),
Senior Policy Adviser
(formerly titled Research Assistant Government)

Ms Chantelle Meltz (left),
Secretary to the Legislative Assembly

Albeit somewhat late in doing so I would like to mention the appointment some six weeks ago of Ms Chantelle Meltz as our new Secretary to the Legislative Assembly. Chantelle succeeds Mrs Patricia Anderson who retired from the position in December 2009 after some 10 years of loyal service to the Assembly and I trust that she is enjoying her retirement. At the same time on behalf of Assembly staff and colleagues, I welcome Chantelle onto the Assembly team of staff.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 5 November 2010 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference - Kenya

Norfolk Island has a voice at the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Nairobi Kenya – continued from Your Parliament Your Voice published on 2 October 2010
The Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Lisle Snell, has provided the following brief summary on his participation at the plenary conference and at the Small Branches Conference.

“Norfolk Island is included as a part of the Australian Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA) which comprises all Australian States and Territories with the exception of Cocos Island and Christmas Island. Madam Speaker has reported in an earlier issue of Your Parliament Your Voice on Norfolk Island’s role in the CPA and that it s one of the few forums in which Norfolk participates internationally in our own right so I will only say that we have sent delegates annually to this major parliamentary conference since 1979. The opportunity to be part of this global network is hugely important, particularly to small governments with democratic responsibility such as we have. If Norfolk was not there we would be forgotten very quickly and any help we may require would be difficult to obtain.

“Within the CPA, Norfolk Island is well known and respected as a successful and stable democratic government.

Commencing the day after my arrival, I attended workshops and seminars, starting with the Small Branches Conference where matters of mutual interest were debated. Major topics covered in the Small Branches Conference were Energy and Environment; Achieving Sustainable Development; The Challenges of Sovereignty in Small States; The Effect of ‘Political’ Corruption in Small States; and Parliament and Accountability – Strengthening Over-Sight in Small States. To expand on some of the issues raised in debate relevant to Norfolk.

• Waste Management – Norfolk was advised to pursue the pit burner disposal system in lieu of expensive high heat incinerators. Jersey spent 100 million on a high heat incinerator and are not happy with the result.
• Nepotism – A concern but unavoidable in small countries and need not be a major concern provided proper policy is followed.
• Small Governments suffer the same accusations of “doing well- they must be corrupt” or “Going bad – They must be incompetent.”
• Make all government contracts and results of building process public
• Protect land for food production
• Small countries must be alert to changes around them ie territorial waters
• Changes to historic rights must be open and debated – changes must not impede the rights of people and trade
• Cultural sovereignty versus economic and social rule
• All peoples have rights of self determination
• Economic Sovereignty – protection of natural resources
• National pride and cultural rights
• Must protect energy sources and security – No country can prosper without energy
• Retain close partnership with a major country

I appreciated the opportunity to be part of this CPA Conference and I hope the experience will benefit both my own and Norfolk’s parliamentary future”..

Regrettably space does not permit inclusion of Part 2 of the CPA News Release this week.

Territories Law Reform Bill 2010 (Commonwealth)
The Hansard of introductory remarks made by Federal Minister Simon Crean MP when introducing the Territories Law Reform Bill 2010 (Commonwealth) into the House of Representatives on 29 September 2010 an be accessed on http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/reps/dailys/dr290910.pdf.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 8 October 2010

Assembly documents can be accessed on www.info.gov.nf

Norfolk Island flies the flag Internationally!

Norfolk Island is in the news and its flag flying high around the globe …..

“Norfolk Island becomes first nation to hoist flag at Village” was the heading to a media release received from New Delhi last Tuesday where our 33-member Commonwealth Games delegation were reported to have “clapped and swayed to the tunes of bhangra and fusion music played by students of a city school in their honour.”. The press release went on to say “The delegation, comprising 22 athletes, had moved into the Village on Sunday. The members were today out strolling in the hot sun to get a feel of the entire 63.5 hectare area of the campus….”. Well done Norfolk.

Norfolk Island has a voice at the 56^th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Nairobi Kenya

The Norfolk flag was also proudly displayed by the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Lisle Snell MLA, who represented Norfolk Island at the 56^th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held two weeks ago in Nairobi Kenya. Our photo shows the Deputy Speaker during one of the plenary sessions. On the opposite page is part 1 of a News Release issued by CPA Headquarters in London at the conclusion of the CPA Conference. We will conclude the press release in next week’s Your Parliament Your Voice along with a Report by Deputy Speaker Snell on his participation at the plenary conference and at the Small Nations Conference.

National Police Remembrance Day

On Wednesday 29 September 2010 the Chief Minister, the Hon David Buffett AM MLA, and I, as the Speaker, attended the National Police Remembrance Day Service which was held at 10 am in All Saints Church at Kingston. A very moving service was conducted under the guidance of the Reverend Canon Stuart Broughton. Warm words of welcome and remembrance were spoken, hymns of inspiration were sung and prayers were read, including The Police Prayer read by the Chief Minister; and the poem I Am (Remembrance) read by Mr George Smith AM, former Chief Minister & Minister for Police in the Norfolk Island Government.

Territories Law Reform Bill 2010 (Commonwealth)

Norfolk Island is in the news in Canberra – this time in the Commonwealth of Australia Parliament – where on 29 September 2010 the Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP, tabled the Territories Law Reform Bill 2010 in the Federal Parliament. Readers will recall that this Bill, which was on referral to the Australian Senate, lapsed with the double dissolution of the Federal Parliament earlier this year. Debate on the Bill stands adjourned. For Hansard of debate on the Bill when introduced go to http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/reps/dailys/dr290910.pdf.

The Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water is the leader of the Nationals in the Senate; Senator Barnaby Joyce. He replaces Hon Bruce Bilson who was the Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Tourism in the previous opposition government. Hon Bruce Bilson is now Shadow Minister for Small Business, Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 1 October 2010 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

Assembly documents can now be accessed on www.info.gov.nf

Radio Link Up with Lord Howe Island

Your Parliament – Your Voice”
From the Office of the Speaker

Sitting programme for the Legislative Assembly for the remainder of the year
The Assembly next meets on Wednesday 22 September 2010 at 10 am and elsewhere in the paper you will find substantive matters scheduled for consideration at the sitting. Further sittings of the Assembly are then scheduled for 3 November and 15 December 2010, with a Ceremonial Sitting proposed to be held on Wednesday 27 October to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island. Comprehensive detail about the Anniversary Celebrations will be published when to hand.

Radio link up with Lord Howe Island
Last week I foreshadowed a possible radio link up with the CEO of the Lord Howe Island Board and that happened on Thursday morning at 10 am when Chief Minister David Buffett, Minister for Tourism, Industry & Development Andre Nobbs and I spoke with Stephen Wills for some 40 minutes about how the Lord Howe Island community, with the support of the Lord Howe Island Board, went about developing and launching their community strategy to take them from 2010-2015. The Lord Howe Island Board encouraged the engagement of an independent facilitator to assist the community in this process, which it would seem worked very well in getting the community on board to express their views. This process is very much like that used by Norfolk Island Tourism in the development of the new Tourism Brand that was launched on Norfolk last November. The facilitator engaged by the Lord Howe Island community was Peter Kenyon – www.bankofideas.com.au – who works with 10 Key Community Development Beliefs which I will share here –

Belief 1.
Meaningful and lasting community change always originates from within, and local residents in that community are the best experts on how to activate that change.

Belief 2.
Community residents act responsibly when they care, and support what they create.

Belief 3.
Building and nourishing relationships is at the core of building healthy and inclusive communities.

Belief 4.
Communities have never been built by dwelling on their deficiencies, needs and problems. Communities respond creatively when the focus is on resources, capacities, strengths and aspirations.

Belief 5.
The strength of a community is directly proportional to the level that the diversity of its residents desire, and are able to contribute their abilities and assets to the well being of their community. Every single person has capacities, abilities, gifts and ideas, and living a good life depends on whether those capacities can be used, abilities expressed, gifts given and ideas shared.

Belief 6.
In every community something works. Instead of asking ‘What’s wrong, and how to fix it’, ask- ‘What’s worked, and how do we get more of it?’ It generates energy and creativity.

Belief 7.
Creating positive change begins simply with conversation. It is the way that human beings have always thought together, and initiated action.

Belief 8.
Having fun needs to be a high priority in all community building efforts.

Belief 9.
The central factor in sustainable change is local leadership and its continuous development and renewal.

Belief 10.
The starting point for change is always mindset and positive attitudes.

Elsewhere in the Islander the Chief Minister comments further on the radio link up and the draft document setting out the Direction for the 13th Legislative Assembly which is to be tabled in the Assembly next Wednesday.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 17 September 2010 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee, Information on Committees

Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee
At its sitting on 23 July 2010 Minister Sheridan presented the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2010 and moved – That the Bill be agreed to in principle. A copy of the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum can be found on www.info.gov.nf. The Legislative Assembly subsequently referred the Bill to the Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee, a standing committee of the House, for its consideration and report back to the House. The Committee hopes to present its findings at the 22 September 2010 sitting. The Committee on this occasion comprises Mr Michael King MLA (Chairman), Mrs Melissa Ward and Mr Lisle Snell (alternate member). The Committee held its first public inquiry on the Bill last Tuesday 17 August 2010.

Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees can be established by –
• Statutes (statutory committees);
• Standing orders (standing committees SO 17 to 25); and
• Resolution of the Legislative Assembly (select committees SO 200 to 221).
The principle purpose of parliamentary committees is to perform functions which the House itself is not well fitted to perform.
Statutory Committees
Statutory committees are appointed in the manner prescribed in the relevant statute. For example –
• Immigration Committee – Immigration Act 1980;
• Social Services Committee – Social Services Act 1980
• Public Service Board – Public Sector Management Act 2000
Some statutes provide that a Member or Members of the Assembly serve on a statutory committee.
Standing Committees
Standing committees are appointed for the term of an Assembly. The Standing Orders currently provide for the following Standing Committees:
• Business Committee
• House Committee
• Standing Orders Committee
• Committee of Privileges
• Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee
• Public Account and Estimates Committee
Select Committees
Select Committees are appointed by resolution of the Legislative Assembly and are usually given a date on or before which they must report to the House.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 20 August 2010

23 June 2010 sitting of the House

The Appropriation Bill 2010-2011 was passed unanimously and unamended on Wednesday the 23rd June with all Members participating actively in debate on the Bill with varying views and philosophies being exchanged about the budgetary process and the way forward in the next financial year. I am advised that the Bill will be presented to the Executive Council for assent on 29 June 2010. The composition and role of the Executive Council is prescribed in Part III, Section 11, of the Norfolk Island Act of 1979. The Executive Council consists of the persons for the time being holding executive office (the Government Ministers);. The Administrator is entitled to attend all meetings of the Executive Council and shall preside at all meetings at which he or she is present. The role of the Executive Council is to advise the Administrator on all matters relating to the government of the Territory.

The following additional matters were considered at the sitting:

• Exemption of payment of customs duty by St. John’s Ambulance who imported medical supplies/equipment for the community which would otherwise have attracted $1462.57 customs duty. The motion was agreed.
• Three applications under the Tourist Accommodation Act 1984 relating to transfer of existing accommodation licences from one property to another as follows:
o One unit from “The Bounty Lodge” accommodation house to “The Buck’s Point House” on portion 34i2(a) Martins Road;
o One unit from “Castaway Hotel and Apartments” to “Hideaway Retreat” on portion 153i4(a) George Hunn Nobbs Road;
o One unit from “The Bounty Lodge” to the “Ball Bay House” on portion 49e3 Collins Head Road
Debate on all three motions was adjourned until the 28 July sitting of the House.
• The re-appointment of Nadia Cuthbertson, Morgan Evans, David Sanders and David Porter as members of the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau for six months commencing on 1 July 2010. The motion was agreed.
• The Road Traffic (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2010 which was passed through all stages at the sitting.
• The Public Sector Management (Amendment) Bill 2010 which was introduced with debate being adjourned until the 28 July sitting of the House.
• The Child Welfare (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2010, which was also passed.

All of the above Bills and related documents can be found on www.info.gov.nf under “Legislative Assembly/Bills Passed Awaiting Passage/13thAssembly"

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 24 June 2010

2010/2011 budget

The Appropriation Bill 2010-2011 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday the 16th June and vigorous debate ensued. In addition to tabling the Bill and when making the traditional Budget Speech, the Minister with responsibility for finance, the Hon Craig Anderson, tabled a comprehensive document titled “Budget for the financial year 2010-2011 Budget related paper – Program Budget Narratives”. The Budget Speech provided background to the 2010/2011 budget and the following extracts from the Budget Narrative may be of interest:

“The 2010/11 budget of the Administration of Norfolk Island contains several significant changes designed to improve both the transparency of the island’s finances and the information provided in relation to public expenditure.

“A policy decision has been made by the 13th Legislative Assembly to bring most of the previous Government Business Enterprises (GBE’s) into the Revenue Fund. This has the effect of making the expenditures of these operations subject to appropriations passed by the Legislative Assembly as part of the Appropriation Bill. In the past there was no such requirement for these operations to have annual appropriations passed by the Assembly and expenditure was at the discretion of the responsible Executive Member.

…………….

“The second major change in the 2010/2011 budget is the phased introduction of program-based performance budgeting with approximately 30% of the Administration having their budgets presented in this format……….”

If you would like to read the full text of the Budget related paper you can find it on www.info.gov.nf under “Legislative Assembly/Bills Passed Awaiting Passage/13thAssembly/Appropriation Bill 2010-2011Budget Narrative”.

As a mark of respect to the Deputy Speaker, Mr Lisle Snell MLA, who received advice during the Assembly lunch break that his brother Keith Snell has passed away, the House adjourned the remaining business on the Notice Paper for consideration at the next sitting on 23 June 2010.

Assembly documents can be accessed on www.info.gov.nf

Bounty Day 08 June 2010

Bounty Day dawned overcast and windy but as so often happens the clouds part and the sun shines and this year was no exception and after the landing of the weary travellers onto the Pier where they were greeted by Mr and Mrs Stewart, Captain Denham and the Speaker of the Assembly, the parade of Bounty folk in the usual wonderful array of Bounty clothing set off on their Bounty Parade stopping at the Cenotaph for the laying of wreaths, and at the Cemetery for families to pay their respects to their ancestors while Islanders sang their favourite hymns with great gusto; all of which combined to make for a happy crew with a great thirst to wend their way to Government House to enjoy a cuppa before the judging of the Island families to see who this year would take away the much coveted Bounty Plate. His Honour the Administrator and Mrs Walsh this year awarded the trophy to the Young Family, which included visiting Pitcairn Islanders.

Bounty Day would not be complete without the families gathering in the Compound for their Bounty Picnic and what a sumptuous feast was again on display. It was with some trepidation that I, in my role of first female Speaker of our Legislative Assembly, made my inaugural speech of welcome to those gathered for lunch; and I thank His Honour the Administrator for his address in reply. It is always wonderful when the Pitcairn Grace led by Island elder Mr George “Kik” Quintal echoes around the Compound walls signalling it is time “for the feast to begin”. The celebration of the 154th Anniversary of Bounty Day concluded with the Bounty Ball at Rawson Hall – a fitting finale to a wonderful day honouring the arrival of the ancestors from Pitcairn on 8 June 1856 and continuing the wonderful culture, traditions and hospitality of the Norfolk Island community.

Assembly documents can be accessed on www.info.gov.nf

Speech of welcome by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Robin Adams JP at the Baunti Picnic in the Compound on Tuesday 08 June 2010

Your Honour the Administrator and Mrs Walsh, Chief Minister and Mrs Buffett and every one of us gathered here today – welcome

Des Dieh es Bounty Dieh.

En hetieh aklan.

Our story is such a great one that three epic movies have come out of Hollywood, with major screen stars of the day, acting the roles of Lieutenant Bligh and Fletcher Christian, and the crew of HMAV Bounty. But those movies stopped with the Mutiny and the return to Tahiti, while we continued on. To Pitcairn Island.

Then in 1856, the entire population of Pitcairn moved here to Norfolk Isle on the 8th of June, one hundred and fifty four years ago. And what a tale there is to tell! A continuation of an epic journey.

Our ancestors came with expectations but not all were met. Their writings and memories tell us, that they did not find Norfolk beautiful; for them Pitcairn was beautiful, and many of them were homesick for a very long time.

They faced many challenges, both personal and as a community, but they overcame them. They left a legacy for us as they finally came to think of Norfolk as a Paradise on Earth. And we today I am sure share that view.

They understood that solutions could be found. And we understand that too.

They realised that the younger generations were the Island’s future. And of course we know that too.

They knew that their culture and traditions were important. And we too share that view.

So thank you, all of you, for joining in today to continue and further our tradition of Baunti Dieh.

And in conclusion may I on your behalf say well done to the Young Family today for winning the Bounty Shield and to extend a warm welcome to the Pitcairn Islanders who have joined us here today, because our story is your story.

And also on your behalf to extend a warm welcome to all the visitors on our blessed Isle at this time; may you all enjoy our day and spread our story even further.

And now Your Honour, would you please join in and say a few words.

(after Address by the Administrator)

Thank you Your Honour. Let us all now sing Grace together led by our Island elder Mr George Kik Quintal.
(following on from Grace)

So let the Bounty picnic begin!

The Queen's Baton Arrives

Despite rain and miserable conditions our school captains and sports captains turned out at the airport on Friday evening of 4 June to take Her Majesty the Queen’s Baton by relay from the airport to the Norfolk Island Bowling Club where the Minister for Community Services, the Hon Tim Sheridan MLA, hosted a reception on behalf of the Legislative Assembly to welcome the Baton to the Island and to acknowledge the sports men and women who will be representing Norfolk at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games later in the year. The Baton was certainly much admired and extensively photographed throughout the evening.

Ceremonial Sitting to welcome the Queen's Baton

Her Majesty the Queen’s Baton was to arrive on Norfolk Island from Tuvalu via Brisbane and Sydney on the afternoon of Wednesday 02 June 2010 and depart our shores on Saturday, 5 June 2010 en route for Singapore. As part of the Queen’s Baton Relay the Baton was to be received into the Legislative Assembly Chamber at a Ceremonial Sitting on Thursday 03 June 2010 at 9.30 am.

Unfortunately there was a delay and the Queen's Baton did not arrive on Norfolk Island until late in the afternoon of Friday 04 June 2010, which did not allow any time for the Ceremonial Sitting to take place as planned. The delay being due to its departure from Tuvalu having to be rerouted through Fiji and Melbourne.

The Minister for Community Services with executive responsibility for sport, the Hon Tim Sheridan MLA welcomed the Queen's Baton to Norfolk.

Ministerial Portfolios

The Legislative Assembly met this week and certainly proved the adage that a short programme can often result in a long sitting and last Wednesday’s sitting was no exception. As a consequence of there being answers provided to 13 of the 14 questions on notice (which were published in last week’s Norfolk Islander), and there being lengthy and robust debate on a statement by the Chief Minister in respect of the Territories Law Reform Bill 2010, the Assembly meeting did not finish until around 3.30 pm. The House passed motions proposed by Minister Craig Anderson in respect of the appointment of Mrs Jenifer Magri to the Immigration Committee; and exemptions from payment of customs duty for goods imported by the Norfolk Island Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc. The Child Welfare (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2010 introduced by Minister Tim Sheridan has been adjourned to allow for public input. Minister Sheridan also reminded the Norfolk Island community that a review of the Road Traffic legislation is underway and urged people to make submissions on any changes they would like to see made to the legislation. On behalf of Members of the Assembly, I welcome Mrs Rhonda Griffiths MLA back home and trust that she was able to tune in to hear the answers, which were provided to the questions she had placed “on notice”.

We are asked from time to time about the responsibilities/portfolios of the various members of the Assembly so this week we are republishing what is commonly referred to as the Assembly Administrative Arrangements Order.

The current operative arrangements for this Assembly are -

David E. Buffett
CHIEF MINISTER



Head of Government
Self-government
Intergovernmental Relations
Strategic Planning
Public Service
Culture, Heritage and Traditions
Museums
KAVHA and Cemetery
Education

Craig M. Anderson
MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL



Treasury
Budget
Public Monies
Economic Policy
GST
Retail Price Index
Benefit Adjustment Factor
Fees and Charges
Justice
Police
Licensing
Liquor Bond
Postal/Philatelic
Customs
Immigration
Employment
- Industrial Relations
- Workers Compensation

Andre N. Nobbs
MINISTER FOR TOURISM, INDUSTRY & DEVELOPMENT



Tourism
Commerce and Industry
Economic Development
Gaming
Electricity
Transportation
- Airline
- Airport
- Lighterage
- Harbour
- Shipping
Primary Industry
- Agriculture & Horticulture
- Slaughtering
- Pounds
- Domestic Animals
- Fisheries
Communications and Technology
- SPIN
- Norfolk Telecom
New Technology Assessment

Timothy J. Sheridan
MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES



Social Welfare
- Social Services
- Superannuation
Health
- Hospital Enterprise
- Healthcare
- Public Health
Environment
- Land & Buildings
- Parks & Forestry
- National Park and Botanic Gardens
- Waste Management
- Pests and Noxious weeds
- Quarrying
Emergency Services & Disaster Management
Sport & Recreation
Civil Works –
- Roads
- Road Traffic

Praise for Norfolk Island

We told you in an earlier issue of Your Parliament Your Voice how Managers of the Public Service briefed Assembly Members on how their various areas of responsibility worked. These discussions were very meaningful and one in particular prompted me this week to speak with the Manager of the Electricity Undertaking John (Moochie) Christian yesterday to make myself more aware on how the solar energy initiative was working out for the undertaking. That was a very worthwhile discussion and we would like to take the opportunity to compliment the Electricity team on a job well done. Mr Christian has recently received approaches from Kiribati, Samoa and Vanuatu seeking advice on how Norfolk Island is so successfully melding the two systems of power generation together and what government policies are in place. Again, Norfolk Island is demonstrating its leadership.

Blogging.......

The Acting Clerk Mrs Gaye Evans JP attended a tutorial last Tuesday at the school on how to set up a blogsite on the internet. It is planned to have a blogsite for the Legislative Assembly in which to publish “Your Parliament Your Voice” and other items of topical interest about the Parliament and the Norfolk Island community. We will be able to give you the web address of the blogsite in next week’s column.

Get Well message

Mr Mike King MLA has sent us another update from Sydney on Assembly Member Mrs Rhonda Griffiths. Whilst she did have to have unexpected major surgery last Saturday the operation was successful. Rhonda continues to be in good spirits and is undertaking rehabilitation for the original stroke damage. She is champing at the bit to come home and that is a very good sign.

Queen's Baton again visiting Norfolk Island

As part of the lead up celebrations for the Commonwealth Games, the Queens Baton was brought to Norfolk Island for the very first time in 2006 and the Legislative Assembly of the day held a ceremonial sitting to formally welcome the Baton into the Assembly Chamber. It is very good news that the Baton will again “visit” Norfolk on the Queens Baton Relay and Assembly Members have agreed to again hold a ceremonial sitting to acknowledge this prestigious occasion. The Baton will arrive on Wednesday 2 June with the ceremonial sitting proposed for Thursday the 3rd of June at a time to be settled with the Amateur Sports Association.

April's News

The weather was perfect for the Anzac Day commemorative services held on Sunday 25 April and we were very pleased that Major General Jeffery AC CVO MC (retired), and Mrs Jeffery were able to be part of those activities. The Chief Minister and the Speaker joined those assembled for the mid morning service and the Speaker laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf the Norfolk Island community and the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island. The Norfolk Island cadets played a most commendable role in the various ceremonies under the tutelage of the Minister for Community Services, the Hon Tim Sheridan, in his role of Officer Commanding the 230 Army Cadet Unit Norfolk Island.



Members of the Assembly were very heartened to have an update on Thursday from Mr Mike King MLA on Assembly Member Mrs Rhonda Griffiths. Mr King, who has been to visit Mrs Griffiths at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, sent a heartening email advising, “that Rhonda is doing very well; that there is a marked improvement every day and her wit, her humour and her spirit remain undiminished.” That is very good news.



and CONGRATULATIONS...

to Mrs Ruby Mathews on attaining her 104th birthday on the 28th April.