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

Visit of Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital
and External Territories (the JSC)

I have received advice from the Chair of the JSC, Senator Louise Pratt that the committee is returning to Norfolk Island on 5 to 7 May 2011. The final programme for their visit will be published when received.


Meeting of the Legislative Assembly

The Legislative Assembly will next meet on Wednesday 6 April 2011 at 10 am. The matters to be called on at the sitting can be found elsewhere in the Norfolk Islander and in Norfolk Online. It is anticipated that the May sitting will be held on 4 May.


The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

In recent weeks we have focussed on our role in the Commonwealth of Nations, the community and school projects associated with the Commonwealth Day theme of Women As Agents Of Change and on Norfolk Island’s role as a member branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA). I have this morning receive a press release from the Secretary General of the CPA (we include his photo taken at Buckingham Palace) which I share with you here.


CPA Secretary-General in an Audience with The Queen

LONDON – CPA Secretary-General Dr William F. Shija in late March briefed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on arrangements for the 57th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, to be held in July in London, and on the entry of the Parliament of Rwanda into the CPA. Briefing Her Majesty in Her capacity as Patron of the CPA, the Secretary-General met The Queen at Buckingham Palace to outline the programme for the conference. He noted it included a discussion of the 2011 Commonwealth Day theme of “Women as Agents of Change” in a conference workshop. That subject will also be discussed at the Conference of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and in a session of the 31st Small Branches Conference, both of which will be held in London at the time of the plenary Conference.

The Secretary-General reported that Her Majesty congratulated the Association for giving this subject such a prominent place in the London meeting. The Secretary-General also informed The Queen that the Parliament of Rwanda joined the CPA at its 2010 General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. He advised Her that Rwanda’s Parliament sought to benefit from the Commonwealth’s parliamentary expertise as have the other two members of the Commonwealth, Cameroon and Mozambique, which had earlier joined the Commonwealth and the CPA despite not having a historic connection with either organization. The 57th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference and associated meetings are to be hosted by the United Kingdom Parliament and the CPA U.K. Branch in London from 22 to 28 July to mark the Centennial of the founding of the CPA. The 57th Conference will be opened by a member of the Royal Family representing The Queen who will be away from London at the time. 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 Members of national, state, provincial and territorial Assemblies. The Commonwealth country not currently in the CPA is Brunei, which does not have an elected Parliament.”


Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 2 April 2011

Norfolk Island’s Representative at the 2011 Commonwealth Day Celebrations in London was Brent Adams … and he met and spoke with Her Majesty the Queen!

Elsewhere in the Norfolk Islander this week we have published Her Majesty the Queen’s 2011 Commonwealth Day Message together with an overview of how we celebrated Commonwealth Day at home here on Norfolk Island. Your Parliament Your Voice this week is focussing on Brent Adams who represented us in London on this special day.

Our picture shows Brent on the right speaking with Her Majesty and the Commonwealth Secretary General Mr. Kamalesh Sharma.

Brent has sent us his report on the day’s activities and we publish it in full below:

“On Monday 14^th March 2011, I was fortunate enough to be able to represent Norfolk Island at the Commonwealth Day celebrations held in London. Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March each year, the Royal Commonwealth Society organises an observance to mark the occasion. The observance brings together people from across the world to celebrate the special partnership of nations, peoples and ideals which constitutes the modern Commonwealth.

“The Commonwealth is made up by 54 member states stretching to all corners of the globe and encompassing approximately two billion people, over half of whom are women and girls. It seemed appropriate then, that this year’s Commonwealth Day theme was “Women as Agents of Change”. I, along with 46 other young people from the Commonwealth travelled to London to take part in the celebrations, to learn more about the Commonwealth and Parliamentary processes, at the invitation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). On Monday morning we met at the Palace of Westminster and were given a tour of both houses of the UK Parliament, the House of Commons and House of Lords. The history associated with the Palace complex is truly amazing, we walked the same halls that the likes of Winston Churchill have travelled, been in the same room where Kings have laid in state, or traitors have been tried (Guy Fawkes).

“After being welcomed by the CPA Secretary-General, Dr William Shija, we were given presentations about the work of MP’s as well as that of a High Commissioner. I must thank them for giving their time, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Mr David Broom MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons & His Excellency Joseph Zammit Tabona, Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK. As this year’s Commonwealth Day theme was “Women as Agents of Change”, it was only fitting that the key note speaker to address our group was The Rt Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar MP, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, the first woman to hold the office of PM in her country and one of only three women in the Commonwealth to currently serve as Head of Government. She spoke on the troubles that women face in the world and how investing in women and girls can accelerate social, economic and political progress. Prime Minister Bissessar will hand over her role as Chairperson in Office to Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard later this year when Perth will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

“After lunch, we walked the short distance from the CPA office to Westminster Abbey for the main Commonwealth Day Observance. The Observance is a multi-faith gathering, in the presence of HM The Queen & HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The Abbey must’ve had well over a thousand people in attendance and showcased the varying cultures of the Commonwealth with performances from some very talented artists.

“HM The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, gave the main address where she spoke on the special and significant role that women play in society and how more needs to be done to encourage women and girls. There followed presentations by other noted citizens of the Commonwealth, from poets to economists. As well as singer Annie Lennox (who I was lucky enough to meet after the service), who shared her experiences about a recent visit to Malawi and discussed her support for HIV/AIDS charities and foundations.

“Later in the evening there was a reception at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Of the 46 young people invited by the CPA to attend Commonwealth Day, only about 7 or so tickets were available for the reception, which I was fortunate enough to be one of. Despite there being a few hundred people at the reception, I was extremely honoured to be able to meet The Queen. We spoke briefly about Norfolk Island and about my University exchange here in the UK.

“This trip down to London, to attend Commonwealth Day and represent Norfolk Island, was a once in a life time event for me, and I am extremely honoured to be given the opportunity. In the space of only a day, I met some amazing people from all over the world, saw some incredible sights and have had the privilege to represent my country at this years gathering of the Commonwealth family of nations.

“I would like to thank the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Norfolk Island branch of the CPA, The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Hon. Robin Eleanor Adams, and would especially like to say a heart felt thank you to Mrs Gaye Evans, Clerk to the Legislative Assembly.”

Our picture shows young people from around the world chosen to represent their respective countries at the Commonwealth Day Celebrations in London – centre front is Secretary General of the CPA Dr William Shija.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 18 March 2011

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 9 March 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 9 March 2011 at 10 am; the sitting immediately suspended until 11 am due to a technical glitch with our recording system; the sitting resumed at 11 am and concluded shortly after 5 pm with a lunch break between 12.40 pm and 2 pm.


Condolences were recorded in respect of the passing of Pieter Dirk Johannes Swynenburg, Laurence Pinney Parker, Juliete Quintal and Ernest Francis Quintal.


The Chief Minister reported he had received a letter dated 9 March 2011 from His Honour the Administrator advising that the Administrator had that morning received the resignation in writing of the Hon Craig Anderson MLA, as Minister for Finance and The Attorney General and further advising that the resignation was effective upon its delivery to the Administrator. Mr Anderson has indicated to the Administrator that he will remain, for the time being, a Member of the Legislative Assembly.


Leave of absence from the sitting was extended to Mr Anderson and to Mrs Griffiths.


The first substantive matter on the Programme was a Matter of Public Importance raised by the Chief Minister, the Hon David Buffett AM MLA who reported on his discussions last week with the Federal Minister, the Hon Simon Crean, MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government about further short term funding for Norfolk Island, i.e. until the conclusion of the financial year, 30 June 2011 and on the Norfolk Island road map developed in partnership between the Norfolk Island and Commonwealth Governments. The Chief Minister tabled the road map and moved – That the paper be printed. The road map is available on the Telecom website www.ni.net.nf. Copies are also available in both hard copy and electronically from the Offices of the Legislative Assembly by phoning 22003. Discussion ensued with all members participating.


Answers were provided to 11 of the 14 questions on the Notice Paper.


The following papers were tabled:
1. Exemptions approved under the Customs Act 1913 from payment of customs duty;
2. NIGTB GM and Tourism Australia Discussion Update;
3. Virements authorised by executive member under Public Moneys Act 1979;
4. Declarations of Residency during the year end 31 December 2010 granted under the Immigration Act 1980;
5. Inbound passenger statistics for January 2011;
6. Instrument creating a head of the Trust Fund under the Public Moneys Act 1979;
7. Review of Telecommunications Competition on Norfolk Island;
8. Policy on Dental Treatment for Children and Pregnant Women;
9. Review of Renewable Energy Technologies for use on Norfolk Island.


The following statements were made –
• Chief Minister reported –
o On the meeting of S.C.A.G. in Wellington New Zealand last week which was attended by Mr Craig Anderson MLA;
o It was not proposed to set a GEP quote for 2011 under the Immigration Act 1980
• Mr King, in his role of Chairman of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee – advised of his intention to convene the Committee to investigate i) Barter card ii) Telecommunications and iii) NZ Telecom accounts and the report to Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.


A message from the Office of the Administrator was reported to the House advising that the Administrator had declared his assent to the Provident Account (Amendment) Act 2011.


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


o The House recommended the appointment by the Chief Executive Officer of Mr Bruce Taylor as an Executive Director with the title or designation of Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
o The transfer, subject to specified conditions, of the registration of one unit from “”View Rest Inn” to “Cumberland Resort and Spa” was approved.
o The House noted the answer to a question on notice no. 107 relating to barter card dollars.
o The House agreed the appointment under section 51 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 (the Act) of CST/Nexia as the Norfolk Island Government Auditor within the meaning of section 51A of the Act for the financial year ending on 30 June 2011; the House further agreed that CST/Nexia also be appointed as the Auditor of the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau for the financial year ending 30 June 2011.
o The Court of Petty Sessions (Amendment) Bill 2011 was introduced and passed through all stages at the sitting. The purpose of the amending Bill is to provide for the Court of Petty Sessions to conduct hearings in New South Wales in limited circumstances.
o The Minister for Tourism, Industry & Development presented the Airport (Amendment) Bill 2011 and the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau (Amendment) Bill 2011; debate on both Bills was adjourned, Copies of the Bills are available on www.info.gov.nf under Legislative Assembly/Bills awaiting passage or from Mrs Jan Keeping in the Legal Services Unit at the Norfolk Island Administration.
o The House agreed that recommendations numbered 1, 2 (a) through to and including (e) and 3 (a) and (b) of the Report of the Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee on the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2011 be agreed to and the remainder of the Report noted.
o Debate resumed on the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2010. Detail stage amendments proposed to the bill were tabled and debate on the Bill was adjourned.


International Women’s Day

It was with much pleasure that I accepted the invitation to speak at the International Womens' Day Breakfast last Tuesday 8 March, 2011 at the Paradise Hotel & Resort. The theme this year was “Women Making Changes” and some 75 women and men gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this organisation and to enjoy one another’s company over breakfast. I chose as the theme for my speech the activities that are being planned for Commonwealth Day which will be celebrated next Monday, the 14th of March. This year the Commonwealth Day theme is “Women as Agents of Change” which was most complementary to the theme for International Women’

Commonwealth Day 2011

With the co-operation of the Headmaster Mr Neil Solomon, the School Assembly next week will be held on Monday and the programme for the gathering is focussing around Commonwealth Day 2011. The School Captains and the Youth Assembly will be playing an important role in the proceedings and I as Speaker will be reading the Commonwealth Day Message received from Her Majesty the Queen. In the lead up to Commonwealth Day students at our school were offered the opportunity to enter into a competition to design a poster if they were in infants; and to write an essay if they were in primary or secondary, on a woman who had changed their life, or their family’s lives or the community’s life. We have had a wonderful response, especially from our infants and primary school students and the winners will be announced and receive their awards at the Assembly on Monday. We will also be launching the first volume of our e-book which is created to tell the story of women who have been agents of change in Norfolk Island’s history. The e-book, which is a community project, is designed to grow and grow with time and is to be hosted on the school’s living library website.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 11 March 2011

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 2 March 2011

As foreshadowed in last week’s column the sitting of the Legislative Assembly scheduled for 2 March was adjourned until Wednesday 9 March 2011 at 10 am. This decision was taken by Members to accommodate the ministerial visit to Canberra of the Chief Minister and the Minister for Finance and The Attorney-General to have further discussions with Minister Crean, as well as providing them with the opportunity to brief Members on their discussions and to report formally to the House on 9 March 2011. The Ministers return to the Island this weekend.

The Notice Paper for the sitting was published in last weeks Norfolk Islander; however it is anticipated that there will be additional matters introduced into the House on the day by leave of the House. (Leave must be granted without dissenting voice)

International Women’s Day

Tuesday 8 March, 2011 is International Women’s Day celebrating 100 years of International Women’s Day and Women making Changes. This year’s celebrations are being held at the Paradise Hotel & Resort between 7.00 and 9.00 am with special guest speaker Mrs Fenella Evans.

When reading about International Women’s Day and this year’s focus on “Women making Changes” I was prompted to explore the website www.womenasagentsofchange.org.

As you will be aware from earlier columns of Your Parliament Your Voice that Women as agents of change is also the theme for Commonwealth Day 2011. I found the following explanation on what the theme means on the above website and I quote:

“”It means that by investing in women and girls, we can accelerate social, economic and political progress. Women and girls make up over half of the world’s population. In the Commonwealth, that’s over one billion people. By educating them, giving them accessible health care and making sure they are treated fairly and have the same opportunities and protection as men and boys, we can go a long way towards addressing the many problems of the world. Women and girls need to be included at all levels of decision making to ensure that their needs are properly met. This will benefit us all.” End quote.

Next week I will share with you the programme for Commonwealth Day which is being celebrated in a most meaningful way at the Norfolk Island Central School on Monday 14 March 2011. Our photo is of Queen Victoria, the woman who made instrumental change to all of our lives on Norfolk by agreeing the relocation to this Island of the Pitcairn community in 1856.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 4 March 2011.

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

Australia Day 2011

The large crowd gathered at Government House Wednesday afternoon warmly applauded the announcement by His Honour the Administrator, Mr Owen Walsh, that two long term Island residents had been made Members of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours list. They are Ms Marie Bailey for her service to tourism and hospitality and to the community of Norfolk Island over many years; and to Mr Bill Blucher for his service to the community and to politics, particularly through the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island.

The following community members and organisations also received recognition and awards

· Allan Tavener - Citizen of the Year 2011

· Mark Kalsrap –Junior Sports Award 2011.

The Administrator’s Award of Certificates of Appreciation 2011 went to –

· Jennifer Perrino; David McCowan and Barbara Shelley, being members of the Norfolk Island Counselling Service;

· The Emergency Management Team; and

· The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology – Norfolk Island.

I know I speak on behalf of all of my colleagues and the staff at the Legislative Assembly in extending hearty congratulations to you all for your well deserved recognition

2011 is also the year for recognition of women and the meaningful role they play globally. For example -

International Women’s Day

This year marks the centenary of International Women’s Day which is traditionally celebrated on the 8^th of March. The Theme for 2011 is “Equal Access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women” and I thought the following passage from the United Nations website about the International Women’s Day worth sharing.

“Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world’s women? In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women’s Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognise the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day’s symbolism has a wide meaning: it is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.” (http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd)

Commonwealth Day 2011

Less than one week after the celebration of International Women’s Day this year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth will release her Commonwealth Day Message for 2011. Her Majesty has chosen the theme “Women as Agents for Change”. You can find detail in recent issues of Your Parliament Your Voice of plans in place to commemorate Commonwealth Day on Norfolk Island this year.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 28 January 2011

First Sitting of the Legislative Assembly for 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on 19 January 2011 at 10 am and concluded shortly before 5 pm with a lunch break between 12.30 pm and 2 pm. The sitting agenda was full with the following matters addressed.

Condolences were recorded in respect of the passing of Alfred Hugh Sampson, Rosina Ruth Park and Seremaia Batirua. On behalf of my Assembly colleagues and the Norfolk Island community I extended our sincere sympathy to all in Australia who have suffered deep and tragic loss at this time as a consequence of the catastrophic floods that have devastated so many parts of the eastern States of Australia, in particular neighbouring Queensland. The Chief Minister joined me in offering words of condolence.

Time for questions – both without notice and on notice – was robust and answers were provided to some 18 questions on the Notice Paper. Since the commencement of the 13th Assembly there have been 115 questions placed on notice.

The following papers were tabled:

• Review of Telecommunications Competition on Norfolk Island (Minister Nobbs);
• Statement of Intention re Self Funded Retirees (Chief Minister);
• Funding Agreement for the Territory of Norfolk Island (Chief Minister). This document can be accessed on www.ni.net.nf;
• Inbound passenger statistics for December 2010 (Minister Nobbs);
• Virements authorised by executive member under Public Moneys Act 1979 (Minister Anderson);
• Financial Indicators as at November 2010 (Minister Anderson);
• Instrument of appointment of Chief Magistrate (Minister Anderson);
• Report on Public Consultation for Proposed Variation to the Norfolk Island Plan (to allow outdoor sport and recreation facilities at the Bicentennial complex Rawson Oval) including the Norfolk Island Zoning Map with “& Outdoor Recreation facilities” included;

Minister Sheridan made statements about,-
• Activities of the Emergency Services during tropical cyclone warning; and
• BVDV Programme on the Norfolk Island herd.

Mr King, Chairman of the Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee, presented the Report of the Committee on its inquiry into the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2010. Debate on the report has been adjourned. The report can be accessed on www.info.gov.nf under Legislative Assembly/Committee Reports.

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

• The House agreed an amendment to the Norfolk Island Plan to change the use of the Bicentennial Complex and Rawson Hall oval to read “Public Building, Park & Outdoor Sport & Recreation Facilities”;
• Approval was given to exempt the Lions Club from payment of customs duty to the value of $246.09 on Christmas Cakes;
• A motion was passed requesting the Government to bring to the House by the May 2011 sitting a detailed written report on the desirability or otherwise of maintaining government policy which allows intrusion by government owned business on private sector commercial activities;
• A motion proposed by Mr King in respect of the policy relating to lump sum payments under the Social Services Act 1980 was debated and adjourned;
• Approval was given under the Tourist Accommodation Act 1984 to the transfer of registration of one unit from Castaway Hotel and Apartments to “Ahstyk” and of one unit from Castaway Hotel and Apartments to “Rocky Point Lodge”; the approvals are conditional on certain requirements being met;
• A motion move by Mr King at the December sitting in respect of the deregulation of telecommunications was debated and defeated;
• Debate resumed from the November sitting on the Provident (Amendment) Bill 2010. and the Bill was agreed to.

A change to the sitting pattern of the House was agreed by the majority of members with the result that the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly is scheduled for Wednesday 2 March 2011 at 10 am and thereafter at six weekly intervals. Consequent on this decision it is anticipated that the House in the next six months will sit on 2 March, 13 April, 25 May and 6 July 2011. The Norfolk Island Act 1979 provides that the Administrator shall convene a meeting of the Assembly when requested to do so by three Members of the Assembly.

Mr Robert Patch PSM, Director, Norfolk Island Section, Territories Division, returns to the Island on 23 January for further discussions. He will be joined on 27 January by Mr Steve Clay, Acting Assistant Secretary, Territories East Branch. Details of their visit will be published elsewhere.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 21 January 2011