Linking Hands Across the World

The Isle of Man and Norfolk Isle are linked by history through the Mutiny on the Bounty and in 2011 renewed that link through a Cultural Agreement signed in the Isle of Man on Tynwald Day – the 5^th of July. Learning about each other’s Island, along with our similarities and our differences strengthens the link we have forged. This weekly column is established initially for that purpose. The key facts published here and in the coming weeks are taken from the June 2009 Isle of Man Guide produced by the Isle of Man Government. Our photo on the right is the Hon Tony Brown MHK Chief Minister Isle of Man Government. Chief Minister Brown is not seeking re-election in the current elections.

“The Isle of Man has a distinct cultural and political identity.  It is a land of possibility where people and business can reach their full potential.  Government policy is to be both economically competitive and internationally responsible in supporting the interests of its people.

“Location:  In the Irish Sea at the heart of the British Isles; Size: 33 miles long by 13 miles wide (221 sq.miles); Population: 80,000 (2006); Capital: Douglas)

In the words of Chief Minister Hon Tony Brown MHK in 2009–

“The Isle of Man is a small, self-reliant country that believes in working hard and playing by the rules.  The Island’s independent spirit, enterprise and innovation have made it a successful centre for quality international business.  A thriving, diverse economy provides jobs for our people and revenue for our public services – the foundations for a high quality of life. We are also a democratic, responsible country with a reputation for supporting international action against financial crime and tax evasion. We are keen to play a positive role in the global economy”

“Giving you Freedom to Flourish”

The Isle of Man is a land of possibility where people and business can reach their full potential

·   “People value their quality of life: our beautiful countryside, its suitability for family life and safe environment are cited among the best things about the Island.

·   “Loyal competitors and fans flock to the Isle of Man each year for the famous Tourist Trophy (TT) races – the oldest motorcycle event in the world; and in 2099, the Island hosted the world’s first competitive event for low-emission motorcycles.

·   “The Island was among the first countries to give women the vote in 1881 (we will have to tell them Pitcairn beat them to it!)

·   “The Isle of Man was also the first country in Western Europe to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in national elections. (Norfolk’s Youth Assembly was interested to hear this!)

·    “In 2011, our excellent sporting facilities will host the Commonwealth Youth Games (The Commonwealth Youth Games were hosted by the Isle of Man 7 – 13 September. Regrettably Norfolk was unable to field any competitors this time in the eligible age range – for full write up on the Games go to

http://cyg2011.com/index.php/news/rockin_party_closes_2011_isle_of_man_commonwealth_youth_games/).”

From the Office of the Speaker on 16 September 2011

Fostering the 2011 Cultural Agreement between the Isle of Man and Norfolk Isle

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 7 & 14 September 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 7 September 2011 at 10 am and suspended at 4.33 pm until 10 am on 14 September 2011.

Answers were provided both to questions without notice and on notice with Mr King giving notice of his intention to move at the next sitting that the answers to Questions on Notice Number 252 and Number 258 be noted

The following papers were tabled:
1) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Sentencing Regulations 2011
2) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Public Service Board Report 2010-2011
3) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Virement of Funds 6 Jul – 3 August 2011
4) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Financial Indicators - July 2011
5) Minister for Community Services, Mr Sheridan - Traffic (Amendment No 2 ) Regulations 2011
6) Minister for Community Services, Mr Sheridan – BVDV Eradication Program Final Report
7) Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development – Inbound passenger statistics July 2011
8) Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development – Media releases
9) Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development – 04/05 Budget Adjustment: Airport Fire Service; motion moved and debate adjourned on the question – That the paper be noted

In statements the Chief Minister reported on the suspension of two Public Service officers and the circulation of an email in the community. He also paid tribute to the volunteers who assisted with

Minister Sheridan provided a final report on the BVDV Eradication Program

The Speaker reported –
Message No. 17 from the Administrator under section 21 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 16 August 2011 he declared his assent to the Employment (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 9 of 2011) and the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 10 of 2011)

Message No. 18 from the Administrator under section 21 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 16 August 2011 he referred the Social Services (Amendment) Act 2011 for instructions of the Commonwealth Minister

Message No. 19 from the Administrator under section 24 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 1 September 2011 Her Excellency the Governor-General, acting n the advice of the Federal Executive Council declared her assent to clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Healthcare (Amendment) Bill 2010 and withheld her assent to the remainder of the Bill

Outcomes for matters on the Notice Paper which were debated are as follows:
1) The following Members were appointed to the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau – David Bell, Duncan Harvey Evans and Morgan Borry Evans for 18 months and Michael Perkins, Glen Albert Buffett and Alexis Louise Tavener for two years
 

2) A motion to increase the healthcare levy to $162.50 effective 1 December 2011 was debated and adjourned

3) A motion to take note of a direction tabled by Minister Nobbs under the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Act 1980 was debated and agreed

4) A motion to take note of “An Alternative Roadmap”

5) Minister Sheridan introduced the Employment (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2011; the Bill clarifies the minimum wage and related matters; debate was adjourned

6) Minister Nobbs introduced the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill 2011; debate was adjourned. Explanatory Memorandum tabled

7) Minister Sheridan introduced the Healthcare (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011; the Bill seeks to amend the Healthcare Act 1989 for the purposes of removing payment for respite care and limiting reimbursements for overseas medical services to the amounts payable under the Commonwealth scheme and for related purposes. Explanatory memorandum tabled

8) Minister Sheridan introduced the Healthcare (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011 which seeks to amend the Healthcare Act 1989 for the purposes of removing payment for respite care and limiting reimbursements for overseas medical services to the amounts payable under the Commonwealth scheme and for related purposes. Explanatory Memorandum tabled

9) The Customs (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011 was agreed to

The sitting was suspended at 4.33 pm and resumed at 10.05 am on 14 September with the following outcomes:
1) Pursuant to Message No. 20 from the Administrator the Appropriation Bill 2011-2012 was introduced by the Chief Minister, debated and passed through all stages by leave. The Performance Budget Narratives were tabled by the Chief Minister.

2) Alistair John Unicomb was appointed to be a delegate member of the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Advisory Board for the appointed member Duncan Harvey Evans and to act as the member if that member is absent or unable to discharge official duties, during the term that the member is appointed to the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Advisory Board.

The House adjourned until 5 October 2011 at 10 am

To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 5 August 2011

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 7 September 2011

The Legislative met on Wednesday 7 September 2011 at 10am. At the conclusion of consideration by the House of the substantive matters on the programme, the sitting was suspended at 4.33pm until 10am on 14 September 2011 or alternatively "at the Speaker's bidding". A full report on the matters dealt with at the sittings on 7 and 14 September 2011 will be reported on in next week's Your Parliament Your Voice.
To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 9 September 2011.

Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

It is hard to believe that it is almost a month since I returned from London where as Speaker and delegate for the Norfolk Island, I attended the Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA). My visit to London included my attendance at the Annual General Meeting of the United Kingdom-Norfolk Island Friendship Group at the House of Commons. This group was formed as a result of a CPA visit to Norfolk Island in 2008 by Mr Andrew Rosindell, the member for Romford in the UK Parliament since 2001. It is Mr Rosindell’s huge interest in the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, both current and former, which led him to visit Norfolk in 2008 to learn more about us. It was my pleasure as the guest speaker at this meeting to have the opportunity to speak about Norfolk to those attending.

2011 marked the centenary year of the CPA which was inaugurated in London in 1911 and I joined some 700 Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary officials in London to mark the occasion. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is composed of the Parliaments and Legislatures in 53 of the 54 Commonwealth nations and their overseas territories. It has a membership of more than 16,000 parliamentarians of national, state, provincial and territorial Assemblies.

HRH The Princess Royal attended the opening ceremony of the centennial Commonwealth Parliamentary Association annual conference, at which she read a message of welcome and encouragement from Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of the CPA and Head of the Commonwealth. Our picture (above) shows the Lord Speaker the Rt Hon. Baroness Hayman giving the vote of thanks to HRH The Princess Royal. Our picture below show the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod escorting HRH The Princess Royal out of Westminster Hall

This years Conference theme was “Reinforcing Democracy”.

As always the Small Countries Conference which runs over two full days prior to the main conference provides the most value for Norfolk Island and I was pleased to be able to contribute meaningfully in discussions on many of the issues addressed.

Small countries are those with a population of 400,000 or less. The topics for discussion this year were -

a)Commonwealth initiatives in handling migration issues

b) Countering threats to the Stability of Small Democracies

c) Women as Agents of Change in Small Societies

d) Strengthening Democracy in Small States: Youth Leadership Training, Citizen Involvement and Parliamentary Reform

I had particular interest in topics a), c) and d); and was pleased to not only be able to share with other small nations how our hybrid form of governance currently works; but also to speak with pride about our very active Youth Assembly and the very real and influential role it can, and does play in local issues about which they feel strongly. This generated genuine interest, and questions being asked by delegates, particularly by the Falkland Islands as to how they might mirror our Youth Assembly in their country and I note that my contribution in this debate has already been reported in the Falkland Islands news.

As mentioned in Your Parliament Your Voice of 12 August 2011 discussions have begun with the Isle of Man under the cultural agreement to work on how our respective educational establishments can work together to exchange ideas, ultimately with a view to an exchange student scheme. The Isle of Man is probably the first jurisdiction to give the vote to people of 16 years of age which would seem a clear indication of the value they place on their young people. Our Youth Assembly is now considering how they can link up with other Commonwealth Youth Assemblies/Youth Parliaments in small Commonwealth countries through social and other media, and we will keep you informed as we take this exciting initiative forward.

By necessity my report on the CPA Conference this week needed to be brief but I believe it clearly demonstrates that we should never underestimate the value of networking with other small jurisdictions, jurisdictions that have had similar problems to ours such as down turn in tourism and contraction of their economies as is happening to us here on Norfolk today; the value of being able to discuss with them how they have successfully addressed their problems cannot be understated.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 26 August 2011

The Isle of Man continued from 12 August 2011

Our pictures show the formal signing of the Cultural Agreement at the Tynwald Banquet by the President of Tynwald, the Hon Noel Cringle OBE MLC and myself. This was Mr President’s last Tynwald Day as he did not seek re-election on 12 July 2011. The Hon. Clare Christian MLC was elected to this prestigious position on 12 July and it was a pleasure for me to be able to extend personal congratulations to her on the Assembly’s behalf in London at the Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA). President Christian (pictured below) was in London to attend a meeting of the CPA Working Party to review the organisation and activities of the CPA. I know readers will smile with me that the newly elected President of Tynwald shares the same surname as Fletcher Christian of HMS Bounty to whom we owe thanks for Norfolk Island today being the place we call home!

Whilst space does not allow me to speak at length about the actual formal proceedings at Tynwald Hill on Tynwald Day there is one ancient tradition which you might find interesting – the invitation from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor from the Hill inviting any persons wishing to present a Petition for Redress to come forward. There were nine petitioners who “seized this ancient right to present their grievances” during the proceedings. The petitioners came forward and presented their petitions one at a time to the Clerk of Tynwald at the foot of Tynwald Hill. The Clerk then conveyed the Petitions for Redress to His Excellency, who having been handed the Petitions, said:

“I shall refer these Petitions to the Standing Orders Committee of Tynwald who will report thereon at their earliest convenience”.

After the Petitioners withdrew to the north of the Hill, a fanfare was sounded and the troops were called to attention. The proceedings on Tynwald Hill were then concluded with the singing of the Manx National Anthem followed by the processions from the Hill back to the Royal Chapel of St. John’s for the Captioning of the Acts just promulgated. All in all a day for me steeped in ancient history which will remain with me as a precious memory to recall and share. (Our picture shows President Cringle in ceremonial robes at Tynwald Hill)

Next week we move to London and the Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association….

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 19 August 2011.

Official Visit to Isle of Man and London

Over the next few weeks I will share with you some of the highlights of my recent official visit to the Isle of Man and to London. Whilst my travel to London was funded by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA) through our annual subscription paid to the international body of the CPA, my trip to the Isle of Man from the UK was self funded; and I record my thanks to the Isle of Man Parliament (better known as Tynwald Court) for inviting me to visit as their official guest from 2 to 7 July. The main purpose of my visit to the Isle of Man was to sign a Cultural Agreement between our respective Island Parliaments in which we acknowledge, amongst other things, the strand of the early history of Norfolk Island’s settlement through our respective associations with Fletcher Christian and Captain Bligh and the subsequent settlement of Pitcairn Island following the mutiny on board HMS Bounty in 1789.

Discussion on the Cultural Agreement began in 2007 with the visit to the Isle of Man by the then Chief Minister of the 12th Assembly, the Hon Andre Nobbs MLA. During Minister Nobbs’ visit lasting friendships were forged with their Chief Minister the Hon Tony Brown MHK and with the then President of the Legislative Council the Hon. Noel Cringle OBE. It was through those friendships that the concept of a Cultural Agreement was agreed and in April this year, the terms of the Agreement were finally settled, and an invitation extended to me, as your Speaker, to visit Man to sign this historic document, a document which agreed the following:

1. The Tynwald Court on the Isle of Man and the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island will promote closer links in developing cultural activity;

2. The established link between our two Islands via The Bounty should be recognised on both Islands on each National Day, ie Anniversary (Bounty) Day on the 8^th of June and Tynwald Day on the 5^th of July;

3. Encouragement should be given to the exchange of music and dance via each local radio station and video recordings;

4. Educational establishments should be encouraged to exchange ideas, ultimately with a view to an exchange student scheme

5. As each step is progressed then recognition should be marked in the Hansard of both Parliaments

It was an honour and a great privilege for me as your Speaker to represent Norfolk at the official proceedings on Tynwald Day this year and on our Island’s behalf to sign the Cultural Agreement at the Tynwald Day Banquet and at the conclusion of the signing to be invited to say a few words - a very moving experience. Other official overseas guests of Tynwald came from Belgium, France, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Eire, Northern Island, Norway, Scotland, Wales, the United Kingdom and the United States of America; the American contingent being the NASA astronauts who crewed the historic final mission of the space shuttle Discovery earlier this year. To hear them speak about their work as astronauts was truly inspiring.

I will share with you some facts about their ancient Parliament - Tynwald Court. The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown dependency. It has its own parliament, administrative system and laws but pays Britain to take responsibility for international affairs and defence. It is the oldest parliament in continuous existence in the world and in 1979, when Norfolk Island commenced its journey back to internal self-government; Tynwald celebrated the millennium of its parliament – 1000 years.

Their parliament comprises 24 members with a popularly elected lower house known as the House of Keys and an upper house, the Legislative Council. Both Houses come together each month as Tynwald Court to discuss legislation, Government administration and funding. On 5 July each year there is an open-air Assembly in St John’s on Tynwald Hill where new laws passed in the previous year are proclaimed in English and Manx and promulgated into law. This is their National Day – Tynwald Day.

The Manx people cherish their ancient rights and are a very proud people, a fact that for me was so evident when they sang the Manx National anthem. Their motto in Latin which appears with the official Three Legs of Man emblem on their national flag and on their Crest translates to “It will stand wheresoever you throw it” and accurately reflects their resilience “not to ever give up”. That is evidenced by the fact that never before in history has the Isle of Man been more prosperous or independent than they are today.

Promulgation of Manx laws on Tynwald Hill

The Isle of Man Crest

The Isle of Man has become a major player in space commerce and their Government has attracted firms to its shores due to the zero per cent corporate tax, government grants, the Island's political stability, commercially friendly legislation and its state of the art telecommunications infrastructure.

The benefits of our new association are already bearing fruit with an offer from the Hon Alex Downie OBE, Minister in the Isle of Man Government with responsibility for Economic Development who has offered us the opportunity to be linked with the Isle of Man in their recently opened “Genealogy Museum”; we will also explore how our respective Youth Assemblies can be linked.

To be continued next week …..

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 10 August

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 3 August 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 3 August 2011 at 10 am and concluded at pm with a lunch break between 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm.

Answers were provided both to questions without notice and on notice.

The following papers were tabled:

1) Resolution of Internet Service disruption – Media Release

2) Letter from CASA dated 6 July 2011 re Fire Vehicles Norfolk Island

3) Direction from the Minister to the NI Government Tourist Bureau

4) Norfolk Island Annual Report 2009-2010

5) Census and Statistics Regulations 2011

6) Traffic (Amendment) Regulations 2011

7) Planning (Amendment) Regulations 2011

8) Virement of Funds 6 July – 3 August 2011

9) Cultural Agreement between Norfolk Island and Isle of Man

10) Report from the Employment Conciliation Board 2010-2011

11) Report on Public consultation for proposed variation to the NI Plan 2002 and the draft plan being a proposed amendment to Schedule 2 of the Norfolk Island Plan (as amended)

12) An Alternative Roadmap

13) Customs (Amendment No 3) Bill 2010 – Explanatory Memorandum

In statements the Chief Minister reported on progress with the current request to the Commonwealth for interim funding and on the Census to be conducted on 7 August 2011

The Speaker reported on her official visit from 2 to 7 July 2011 to the Isle of Man to sign a Cultural Agreement between the Isle of Man and Norfolk Island; she also reported on her attendance in London as the Norfolk Island delegate Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

The Speaker reported that the Administrator had assented to Healthcare (amendment No 2) Act 2011 and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2011

Outcomes for matters on the Notice Paper which were debated are as follows:

1) The House resolved to determine an amendment to Schedule 2 of the Norfolk Island plan in in order to allow for a subdivision of portion 34j1 Martins Road

2) The House revoked the appointment of Ronald James Holdsworth under section 23 of the Supreme Court Act 1960 and under section 73 of the Court of Petty Sessions Act 1960 and appointed Geoffrey James Atkinson in his stead

3) Jennifer May Goulding was appointed under subsection 65(2) of the Employment Act 1988 to the Employment Conciliation Board for the period 4 August 2011 to 3 August 2014

4) The House recognising the need to give direction and momentum to the policy expressed in the governance “road map” and acknowledging that the processes of examination and assessment prescribed by the “road map” are yet to add definition to a future governance model, endorsed, in principle, the Norfolk Island Government’s broad preference for a “territory-type” model of future governance

5) The Chief Minister presented the Customs (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011; debate was adjourned

6) Debate resumed on a statement adjourned at the July sitting of the House in relation to the new immigration policy and guidelines

7) The Social Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 was agreed to

The House adjourned until 7 September 2011 at 10 am

To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 5 August 2011

Next Sitting and Standing Committees

When does the Legislative Assembly next meet?
The next meeting of the Legislative Assembly is on Wednesday 1 June 2011 with a second meeting scheduled in June for the 22nd. The Notice Paper for the 1 June sitting can be found on www.info.gov.nf under the heading Assembly Matters and in The Norfolk Islander and in Norfolk Online.

Assembly Procedure
Responding to last week’s request for more background on Assembly procedure this week we will talk about Committees and the role they play in the parliamentary process. Committees are established both by the standing orders or by resolution of the House.

Norfolk’s Standing Orders provide for two types of committees. Standing Committees and Select Committees. Standing Committees are appointed for the life of a Parliament and have a continuing role. Select Committees are formed for a specific purpose and cease to exist when they have presented their final reports. This week we will talk about our Standing Committees.

Standing Committees
Our standing orders currently provide:

17. A Standing Orders Committee to consist of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and 3 other Members shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the opening of a new House to maintain a continuing surveillance of the practices and procedures of the House with a view to making recommendations which would enhance the operational efficiency of the House.

18. A Committee of Privileges shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the opening of a new House to –
a) inquire into and report upon complaints of breach of privilege which may be referred to it by the House; and
b) inquire into and report upon any matter referred to it under the Legislative Assembly (Register of Members’ Interests) Act 2005.

The Committee to consist of three permanent members and an alternate member to act when a permanent member is unavailable due to illness; is off Island; or nominates to be absent due to a conflict of interest or some other reason

19. A House Committee to consist of the Speaker and 2 other Members shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the opening of a new House to advise the Speaker on the facilities to be made available to Members and staff within the areas allocated to the House.

20. A Business Committee to consist of the Speaker and 2 other Members shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the opening of a new House to arrange the order of business for the House.

20A. An Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee, to consider Bills and subordinate legislation referred to it by the House shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the opening of a new House. The Committee to consist of three permanent members and an alternate member to act when a permanent member is unavailable due to illness; is off Island; or nominates to be absent due to a conflict of interest or some other reason.

20B. .A Public Accounts and Estimates Committee to consist of the Speaker (ex officio) and three other Members shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the opening of a new House to scrutinise and assess the financial administration of the Public Sector, and to promote reform where necessary.
The Committee shall –
1) examine -
a) the accounts of the receipts and expenditure of Norfolk Island;
b) the financial affairs of authorities of Norfolk Island;
c) all reports of the Government Auditor which have been laid before the Assembly; and
d) such other relevant matters as the Committee deems relevant




2) Report to the Assembly with such comments as it thinks fit, any items or matters in those accounts, statements and reports, or any circumstances connected with them, to which the Committee is of the opinion that the attention of the Assembly should be directed

3) Inquire into any question in connection with the public accounts which is referred to it by the Assembly and to report to the Assembly on that question. The Committee may consider any other matter relevant to its inquiry; shall have the power to send for persons, papers and records; and may invite submissions from members of the public

21. Other standing committees may be appointed from time to time to consider and report on such subjects as may be decided by the House.

22. All standing committee shall be appointed on motion and, except as provided in standing order 17, 18, 19 or 20 or unless otherwise ordered, shall consist of a minimum of 3 Members to be nominated: Provided that if more Members are nominated than are required the House shall proceed to ballot.

If there are specific matters of parliamentary procedure that readers would like me to discuss in Your Parliament Your Voice do send me an email with your query to speaker@assembly.gov.nf.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 27 May 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

Assembly Procedure

I received an inquiry from a member of the public during the week relating to procedure on questions, questions on notice and adjournment; and the inquirer suggested “Perhaps it would be a good time to publish this information anew?”

Readers may find my response of interest and I quote it here.

“Questions. Questions without notice are just that - they are asked openly in the House and unless the member asking the question has given the Minister prior indication that he will be asking a specific question, the Minister would not have notice of the question. Questions without notice do not appear on the Notice Paper. As an aside there is no obligation on a Minister to answer a question, whether it is on notice or without notice, though for political reasons it would be unusual for a Minister to refuse to do so. There are times that a Minister may not know the answer to a question without notice and often the Minister will say "I will take that question on notice". When this happens there is an expectation that the member will then put his question in writing and lodge it with the Clerk for it to appear on the Notice Paper for the next sitting.

“Questions on notice means that a member lodges a question in writing with the Clerk to the Assembly; this can happen at any time between sittings with the deadline for lodgement being 4 pm on the Thursday before the sitting at which the member seeks the question be answered. Questions on Notice then appear on the Notice Paper which is published in the Islander and on Norfolk Online by the Clerk on the weekend prior to the sitting day.

“Whilst by convention Questions/Questions on notice are a facility available to Members of the Parliament to seek information on issues with which they may have a concern, nevertheless it is not uncommon for members to ask questions of Ministers on behalf of members of the public who have requested they do so; but the name of the member of the public would not be mentioned.

Adjournment. Adjournment of debate is the term used when a matter on the notice paper is to be adjourned until a later day; the rules require that if a member moves a motion of adjournment the Chair must put the motion forthwith without further debate. If the motion is agreed to, debate is so adjourned. If not, debate continues until concluded and the question put - that the motion be agreed to.

A motion to adjourn the House till another day is different. By convention the motion for the adjournment of the House is a facility open to members to use to raise a broad range of issues.” (Unquote)

Parliamentary documents can be found on www.info.gov.nf under the heading Assembly Matters. If there are matters of parliamentary procedure that readers would like me to discuss in Your Parliament Your Voice do send me an email with your query to speaker@assembly.gov.nf.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 20 May 2011

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 4 May 2011

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 4 May 2011
The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 4 May 2011 at 10 am and concluded at 12.35 pm; Deputy Speaker Snell and Mr King who are off Island were granted leave from the sitting.

The following papers were tabled:

1) Minister for Tourism, Commerce and Industry, Mr Nobbs –
a) Tourism Ministers Summary of Initiatives;
b) Postal Services (Amendment) Regulations 2011;
c) Print out on Marine Bioregional Planning Initiative taken from www.environment.gov.au/coasts/east/index

2) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett –
a) Virement of Funds since 6 April 2011;
b) Financial indicators for February and March 2011;
c) Economic Indicators December 2010 based on GST Gross Revenue;
d) Explanatory Memorandum to the Customs (Amendment) Bill 2011
3) Mrs Griffiths – Curriculum Vitae for Professor Kenneth William Wiltshire AO;
4) Ms Adams – Open Letter to Members of the Assembly of the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly from Island Elders Marie Bailey OAM, Bernie Christian Bailey, W.A. Blucher AM, Tom Lloyd AM, Ken Nobbs, Jim Olsson and Greg Quintal MBE.

Statements were made on the following issues:

1) Speaker Adams –
a. Recorded the making of history in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly with the election of its first female speaker, South Coast Liberal MP Shelley Hancock. Congratulations were extended to Ms Hancock on her election;
b. acknowledged the invitation received from the Hon John Mickel MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, for the Speaker and the Clerk to the Assembly to attend the Regional sitting of the Queensland Parliament being held later this month in Mackay. Whilst unable to attend, the Speaker extended her best wishes for a successful sitting;

2) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett –
a) spoke on the advancement of the Norfolk Island Road Map;
b) advised of the visit of the JSC from 5 to 7 May 2011. The JSC is to meet with Members of the Assembly and in private session with community members and groups during their visit.

Outcomes for matters on the Notice Paper which were debated are as follows:

1 Mrs Lorraine Boudan was reappointed as a member of the Immigration Committee for two years from 21 May 2011;
2 Mr Albert Buffett, Mrs Jeanette (Liz) Calder and Mr Peter Horrocks were appointed members of the Norfolk Island Museum Trust for 3 years from 5 May 2011;
3. Substantive debate ensued on the motion proposed by Mrs Griffiths in respect of the Commonwealth Funded review of the Norfolk Island Administration and all its associated business entities. The motion was agreed with amendment to paragraph c);
4. The Customs (Amendment) Bill 2011 was introduced and passed through all stages;
5 Debate on the Ombudsman Bill 2011 was again adjourned.

The House will next meet on 1 June 2011 at 10 am. To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 4 May 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com