Linking Hands Across the World

This week we “link hands” with Lord Howe Island who through Rick Kleiner have been in contact with Norfolk to let us know that they are hosting “Australia’s Small Island Forum” April 30 to May 4, 2012. A website has been created for the event – www.asiflordhoweisland.com – from which we have taken the following:

“Australia's Small Island forum, creating opportunity and embracing solutions.

“As readers will be aware Lord Howe Island was World Heritage listed in 1989 and declared a National Marine Park in 1998.  Originally settled in 1834, it has a permanent population of approximately 350 residents, many of whom are descendants of the original settlers.  Now in 2011 due to minimal development and the protection measures put into place by not only the community, but the LHIB, visitors are able to explore and discover the natural attractions of the Island that have been immaculately preserved, thus creating a thriving tourism industry.”

“Across the globe and especially around the Australian mainland are a series of small island communities who are facing common challenges in terms of their economic, social and environmental futures. To come together to discuss these challenges and share successes, seems to be an opportunity that the leadership of these communities would relish. Lord Howe Island, given its proactive approach to community and economic development, its innovation in terms of environmental sustainability and its tourism infrastructure appears an ideal location to host a gathering that brings together people committed to small Island development and who are keen to learn from, and leap frog on best small Island practices from around the world.”

The Themes for the Forum are –

• Growing Sustainable Communities
• Enterprise and livelihood – Tourism, Economy and Environment
• Island futures – Technology and Services
• Culture, Place, Identity and Small Islands

The key speakers at this time are –

• Tim Flannery, is one of Australia's leading thinkers and writers. An internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist, he has published more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• Peter Kenyon, Director of Bank of I.D.E.A.S, is a social capitalist and community enthusiast.  Over the last two decades he has worked with over 1200 communities throughout Australia, New Zealand and overseas seeking to facilitate fresh and creative ways that stimulate community and economic renewal.
• Mal Bryce, Professor, Curtin University, For most of his working life Mal Bryce has been engaged in developing public policy for Economic Development. In the last 25 years he has worked as a cabinet minister, company director, corporate manager and senior consultant.
• Gwilym Gibbons, Career spans venue, festival and partnership management across public, private and community sectors (including: Destination Management, Economic Development Partnerships and Community Planning).
• Toni Gregory- Hunt, Business Operations Manager, Chatham Islands, is the Business Operations Manager for the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust which is a charitable trust set up in 1991 by the New Zealand Government to manage the infrastructural assets on behalf of its stakeholders (the community).
• Philip Hayward, is a research professor at Southern Cross University, international network convener of SICRI (The Small Island Cultures Research Initiative) and editor of Shima: The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures. He has written four books and a series of journal articles on island cultures and has produced seven CDs of island music.

For further information about the key speakers go to http://www.asiflordhoweisland.com/key_speakers and to find out more about the Forum email lee.rogers@lhib.nsw.gov.au.

Dated 25 November 2011

Milestone for Women in PNG

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

 

The following article was forwarded to me by Ms Lisa Baker from the Western Australia Parliament.  Ms Baker is the Chair of the Steering Committee of the CWPG (Commonwealth Women’s Parliamentarian Group - Australian Region). The article is about seats for women in the Parliament of Papua New Guinea and as today Friday the 25^th of November 2011 is White Ribbon Day, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I thought this article would be of timely interest.

 "Vote hailed as milestone for women in PNG (Jo Chandler November 24, 2011)

WOMEN danced, wept and embraced outside the Papua New Guinea Parliament yesterday as years of campaigning culminated in a watershed vote to allow 22 reserved seats for women in the almost exclusively male chamber, where just one of 109 seats is presently held by a female. With time running out before the 2012 general election, expectation and anxiety were high among supporters of the bill, with women loudly admonishing MPs from the packed public gallery when the debate was delayed on Monday.

But encouraged by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, the constitutional amendment to allow the women's seats, one for each province, was eventually passed by 72 votes to two, with several members abstaining and some absent.

''Only with the input of women will PNG go on and thrive to become a great nation,'' said Mr. O'Neill. The president of the National Council of Women, Schola Kakas, described the move as ''a cry of the mothers of this nation''. She added: ''So many of our problems as a society are faced by women - health, violence, maternal mortality. Only women can understand what must be done to make things better.”

One of the nation's most seasoned female political campaigners, Greens leader Dorothy Tekwie, was in the country's remote north-west when she heard the news. She said women around her were overjoyed at the bill, which she said was required if women were to push through fiercely male-dominated political and social cultures. ''They were just jubilant, clapping their hands. They said - the men too - 'Taim bilong ol meri' - 'time for women'.''

Celebrations were later tempered by confusion even among experts and key players as to whether the Equality and Participation Bill (or the Women's Bill, as it is widely known) faces another legislative hurdle if the women's seats are to be in place in time for next year's general election.

Dame Carol Kidu, the sole elected woman in the Parliament and sponsor of the bill, said a critical second element of the bill had vanished from the notice paper, but she hoped it would be resolved in the next few days. If not, the seats would probably not be in place by the poll. This issue remains on a knife edge, she said, as the enabling legislation will require more votes to pass than the number which secured the constitutional reform yesterday.

The vote marked a huge milestone in PNG and signalled a hunger for change in the nation, said Dame Carol. ''A lot of people who in the early days said they would never support it are supporting it now. So whatever happens, there has been huge progress.'' Queensland-born Dame Carol, 63, the widow of former chief justice Sir Buri Kidu, will retire at next year's election. Given entrenched cultural and financial barriers to women's participation in politics, there were wide concerns that PNG could become the 10th nation in the world without a single elected female, most of them being Australia's near neighbours in the Pacific.

''The changes are very significant,'' said Dr Jim Macpherson, a member of the PNG legislative working group. ''They are the first changes to the membership of Parliament since independence - and in some ways a stunning reversal and recognition of the way gender assumptions have excluded women from decision-making.''

The next sitting of the Legislative Assembly is on Wednesday 7 December 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 25 November 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 9 November 2011

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 9 November 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 9 November 2011 at 10 am and concluded at 4.30 pm with a lunch break between 12.40 pm and 2 pm. It was a pleasure to have the students in years 5 and 6 at the Norfolk Island Central School attending for part of the proceedings.  These students are currently studying their stage 3 unit on public speaking and debating.

The House rose for a period of silence to acknowledge the passing of John Nunn Scott, Milton John Hayes, Dorothy May Pearce, Marli Ralson, Eleanor Brenda Reed and Dorothy Eunice Wolferstan,

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

The following papers were tabled:

1.    Letter to Hon Simon Crean MP dated 7 October 2011 re Protection of Norfolk Island’s Cultural Heritage

2.      Immigration Policy and Guidelines as at July 11, 2011

3.    Norfolk Island  Hospital Enterprise Budgeted Financial Statements y/e 30 June 2012

4.    Virement of Funds since 7 September 2011

5.    Norfolk Island Hospital Enterprise Budgeted Financial Statements y/e 30 June 2012

6.    Annual Report from the Road Traffic Committee

7.    Disaster and Emergency Plan 2011

8.    Employment (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2011

9.    Traffic (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2011

10.   Letter to the Administrator dated 13 October 2011 re Impact of Extension of Clth laws to Norfolk Island

11.   Report on Public Consultation for Proposed Variation to the NI Plan

12.   Official Survey (Amendment) Bill 2011 – Explanatory Memorandum

13.   Employment (Amendment No 2) Bill 2011 – Detail stage amendments dated 28 October 2011

 

The following Messages were reported –

Message No. 23 from the Administrator in accordance with section 24 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that The Hon Simon Crean MP has instructed that assent be withheld from the Customs (Amendment) Bill 2011 dated 14 October 2011

Message No. 24 from the Administrator under section 21 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 18 October 2011 he declared his assent to the Social Services (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 13 of 2011), the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 14 of 2011), the Customs (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 15 of 2011 and the Customs (Amendment No 2) Act 2011 (Act No 16 of 2011),

A letter dated 31 October 2011 from the Administrator was also reported advising that a referendum was to be conducted on a question related to recent amendments to the traffic laws in respect of seatbelts, “L” and “P” plates and the wearing of cycle helmets.

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

1)       Mrs Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson was re-appointed as the Presiding Member and Mr Aristides Alexis Martinez as the Deputy Presiding Member of the Public Service Board

2)       The House resolved to make a determination to approve an amendment to the Norfolk Island Plan to allow for an “Industry – Noxious, Hazardous or Offensive”: at Portion 85, specifically a proposed shed to be used for the processing of carcasses for meat and by-products

3)       The Official Survey (Amendment) Bill 2011 was presented with debate on the Bill being adjourned

4)       A motion to note a bundle of papers relating to the airport fire service was debated and agreed to

5)       The motion to increase the Healthcare Levy was agreed

6)       Debate resumed on the Employment (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2011; the Bill having been agreed to in principle and Minister Sheridan having proposed detail stage amendments dated 28 October 2011, debate was adjourned on the question – That the amendments be agreed to

7)       Debate resumed on the Healthcare (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011 and adjourned for further consideration at a later sitting

8)       The Married Persons (Equality of Status) Bill 2011 was agreed to

The next sitting of the Legislative Assembly is on Wednesday 7 December 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 11 November 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

From the Office of the Speaker

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

Email from Chief Minister of the Isle of Man

For those of you who follow this weekly (almost!) column I share with you the response received from the Isle of Man Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK to my letter of 18 October –

“Dear Robin,

Many thanks for your kind words. We will face a challenging few years which will test all of us.  I look forward to developing closer ties on many fronts with Norfolk Island in the time ahead and hope that we may have the opportunity to meet again at some point to further that aim.

With very best wishes, Allan.”

Speaker is in Sydney next week

I am travelling to Sydney on Sunday principally to represent the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island at the official function hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, with the Governor of NSW in attendance, to mark the occasion of the retirement of Mr Russell Grove PSM, Clerk to the NSW Legislative Assembly for 21 years and parliamentary officer for 40 years. My attendance is in acknowledgement of the extraordinary assistance given by Mr Grove to the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island over many many years and I know his name will be familiar to many of you. In acknowledgement of his service to the NSW Parliament last Thursday the 20^th of October Mr Grove was given appropriate recognition by the NSW Legislative Assembly in his being extended, on motion of the NSW Premier of the prestigious title of Clerk Emeritus. This honour is very well deserved. (Hansard containing some 16 pages of tributes from parliamentarians can be obtained in pdf format from the Clerk Mrs Gaye Evans).  During my time in Sydney Mr Grove and I will continue our discussions on the Speaker's Review of Norfolk’s parliamentary service which we commenced earlier in the year; this including addressing succession training for the Clerk which is long overdue.

The timing of my visit to Sydney will also allow me to join other State and Territory Presiding Officers at a meeting with the Hon Sir Alan Hazelhurst MP, from the UK Parliament, Chair of the CPA Executive Committee, who has been attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Perth. Sir Alan is taking the opportunity to meet with CPA Branch Executives whilst in Australia to discuss current issues facing the CPA and the Australian Region in particular.

And finally by letter of introduction from the Chief Minister, I will be meeting with the NSW Parliamentary Counsel Mr Don Colagiuri to follow up on previous contact with his office by Mr Craig Anderson and Mr Wayne Richards some time ago.

Visit of Justice G Downes (President) and Mr Philip Kellow (Principal Registrar) of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 was amended by the Territories Law Reform Act 2010 to extend to Norfolk Island.  The Commonwealth Government undertook, at that time, to provide information and training to Administration officers in the operation of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.  The Chief Minister met with Mr Kellow in Sydney and Justice Downes by teleconference, following a visit to Canberra in June this year and invited them to come to Norfolk Island. Their visit this week is the next step in this process and Assembly Members and Officers at the Assembly were pleased to be able to meet with Justice Downes yesterday to discuss processes going forward.  Whilst in Sydney I will also be calling on Justice Downes and sitting in on a session of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to see first hand how it operates.

Readers will recall that Justice Downes, along with Chief Justice Jacobson and Justice Lander, visited Norfolk Island in October 2010 to participate in ceremonial activities associated with the commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island. 

The next sitting of the Legislative Assembly is on Wednesday 9 November 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 28 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

Linking Hands Across the World

Some snippets of interest from the Isle of Man Government website which shows that whilst the size of our respective populations is significantly different, the issues we have to address are not all that far apart.

New initiative between government and the business community to attract more visitors BBC news by Bill Dale posted 21 October 2011

“A NEW focus on attracting more tourists to the Isle of Man, particularly in the quiet months outside of the traditional visitor seasons, is about to be launched by government in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. Working together with the Manx Hospitality Partnership, agreement has been reached by the Chamber and the Department of Economic Development to target more visitors to come to the Island and fill empty hotel bedrooms with a particular emphasis on business travellers. The plan brings together groups within the tourist industry into a collective group to exchange ideas and initiatives, working closely in a more structured manner to create new business for the economy. The Isle of Man offers a total of 5,328 bed spaces through its various tourism facilities, in hotels, guest houses, apartments and holiday homes. For some parts of the year the majority of the bedrooms are filled and at certain times - such as the TT and Manx Grand Prix - the Island has no extra capacity and opens up its home stay system.

However, there are some times of the year - in particular the periods in spring and autumn known as the “shoulder months” - where the government and the Chamber of Commerce believes there is potential for new business. Mike Hennessy, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said the main aim of the initiative was to “enhance the overall proposition” with the eventual aim of increasing visitor numbers. “‘This is an exciting opportunity for members of the tourism sector with drive, energy and enthusiasm, to influence and contribute to the future development of the Isle of Man visitor economy.” I would hasten to add that it is not designed to be a pure Chamber member initiative. We welcome involvement from all across the business community.” It is intended to structure the new partnership with a main steering committee supported by stakeholder groups in the areas of accommodation, hospitality and services, events, travel and transport…………….Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, political member for Isle of Man Tourism, said, “Developing a shared vision and concrete objectives for tourism will be at the heart of the group’s initial work.”

The next snippet is a very interesting concept!

Isle of Man government calls for community members BBC News Isle of Man

“Chief Minister Allan Bell is looking for people willing to serve the community. The Isle of Man government is looking for "community-spirited individuals" to work as lay members. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are asked to apply, to bring a different perspective to the running of the Isle of Man government.  Roles in nine organisations are available, including the Pensions Authority and the Post Office. Chief Minster Allan Bell said he wanted people who had an interest in serving the local community. He added: "This is an opportunity for community-spirited individuals to play their part in public life and make a real difference as the island moves forward." Other organisations looking for lay members include the Financial Supervision Commission, the Office of Fair Trading and the Water and Sewerage Authority.

Those appointed will hold their positions for five years. The closing date for applications is 31 October.”

Dated 28 October

From the Office of the Speaker on 28 October 2011 and posted on the blog site

http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

New Communications Technologies to strenghen Democracy

For Immediate Release

New communications technologies to

strengthen democracy

London, 14 October 2011 – Two Commonwealth agencies, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), have entered into a partnership to explore avenues of co-operation to improve governance and empower people through enhanced use of information and communications technologies (ICTs).          

The two agencies acknowledge that ICTs are a key tool not only in development but also to promote democracy and empower people. While Parliamentarians play a crucial role in facilitating the promotion and use of ICTs for development, through policy, legislation, and regulation, the very same ICTs open new vistas for citizens to engage in governance.

Primarily a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will facilitate collaboration between the CPA and CTO to build the capacity of Parliamentarians in the adoption and use of ICTs for development and for the promotion of democracy. The MoU also paves the way for information exchange, including mutual access to the web environments of each party, sharing publications,

participating in and promoting each others’ conferences and holding joint events and capacity building programmes in the future.

Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the CPA, said: “Many Parliamentarians already use web-based and mobile technologies to help them scrutinize governments and establish interactive dialogues with constituents. But many more lack full access to the new forms of communications which are today recognized as one of the Benchmarks of good governance. All Parliamentarians also need the best possible advice on how to regulate this rapidly advancing area and apply it effectively to development issues and the deepening of the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy. This agreement will help Parliamentarians throughout the Commonwealth to be better representatives of the people.”

“The Internet and social media have increased and strengthened the channels of communication between various branches of Government and the citizens,” says Professor Tim Unwin, CEO of CTO. “I believe this MoU between two lead Commonwealth agencies, one for legislators and the other for ICTs, will pave the way for utilising ICTs to improve accountability, enhance transparency and strengthen democracy across the Commonwealth and contribute to achieving one of the core Commonwealth missions: empowering people in governance.”

For more information, please contact:
At CPA:                                     At CTO:
Dr William F. Shija                     Lasantha Alwis
Secretary-General                      Senior Manager, Programmes
Tel: +44 20 7799 1460                 Tel: +44 20 8600 3814
hq.sec@cpahq.org                        l.dealwis@cto.int
http://www.cpahq.org                 http://www.cto.int

About the CPA

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an association of 185 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures. Its mandate is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance among Members and officials of Parliaments. It informs the parliamentary community about the Commonwealth’s democratic commitment and furthers co-operation among its Parliaments and

Legislatures.

The CPA’s priorities include the expansion of participation of women in the democratic process and promoting the involvement of young people in representative government. The CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are being used around the world to help Parliaments assess their procedures and processes to identify areas for reform to improve democratic governance.

About the CTO

With a history dating back to 1901, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between the Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, businesses and civil society organisations. Through research and studies, advisory and consultancy services, capacity building and training and events on topical issues, the CTO helps to bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering a range of unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

From its headquarters in London and with members based in Europe, the Caribbean, Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, the CTO has been at the centre of continuous and extensive international communications development funding, co-operation and assistance programmes. The CTO’s mission is to promote wealth in developing countries through the more efficient utilization of ICTs, and its development agenda reflects the priorities set in the United Nations

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

END

Your Parliament - Your Voice

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

Last week I spoke of the new government elected in the Isle of Man and the appointment of Chief Minister Allan Bell. You can read more about the new Isle of Man Government in this week’s Linking Hands across the World – a weekly chat about some of the great features of the Isle of Man with whom we are linked through the Cultural Agreement signed between our Islands in July this year. My letter to Chief Minister Bell on your behalf reads as follows:

Office of the Speaker

18 October 2011

The Hon Allan Bell MHK
Chief Minister Isle of Man Government
Chief Minister’s Office
Douglas Isle of Man I1M1 3PG
British Isles

Dear Chief Minister,

I write to offer you my warmest congratulations on your recent election to the most prestigious position of Chief Minister and to wish you on behalf of the Norfolk Island Parliament a most rewarding term of office.

My wonderful memories of my visit to the Isle of Man in July as official guest on Tynwald Day remain as fresh as they did on my return home to Norfolk. You will recall President Cringle and me at the Tynwald Banquet signing the cultural agreement between our two Islands and I attach a copy of the agreement of which a signed and framed copy, together with the Isle of Man flag, now forms part of a cultural display in the Committee Room adjacent to our Assembly Chamber.

I look forward to working with you and President Clare Christian to build on the aspirations set down in the Agreement. We are already taking steps to do that with a weekly column in our local paper in which we publish excerpts from your 2009 Isle of Man Government Guide and I attach last week’s column for your information. I also attach a copy of last week’s column of Your Parliament Your Voice in which we have featured your appointment as Chief Minister.

It is certainly my wish that at the very least we can achieve an exchange of visits on our respective National Days – 5 July on Tynwald Day and 8 June (Bounty Anniversary Day) on Norfolk Island.

With very warm wishes from

Robin Adams JP MLA

Speaker

A brief visit by Michael Keen MP, Federal Member for Stirling and Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs in the Australian Liberal Party

Shadow Minister Keenan visited our shores for the first time this week, arriving mid morning Thursday on Norfolk Air from Brisbane. He was accompanied by his Adviser Ms Amelia McManus. Albeit a short visit, it was nevertheless a busy time for Mr Keenan, who met informally with Members of the Government followed by a wider meeting with other Members of the Assembly at Kingston in the afternoon. A short tour of our Island with the Administrator and the Chief Minister followed and I am sure that Mr Keenan would quickly have come to appreciate what a beautiful Island we have. A reception at Government House hosted by His Honour the Administrator and Mrs Walsh provided Mr Keenan the opportunity to meet members of the community and hear a broad cross section of views on the current negotiations with the Commonwealth. He departed Norfolk for Melbourne Friday morning. Members of the community may recall that I thanked Mr Keenan in our Parliament last December for his supportive words about our Island during debate on the Territories Law Reform Bill.

Press Release from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA) in London

I invite your attention to a press release published this week from the CPA headed “New Communications Technologies to Strengthen Democracy” which readers may find of topical interest.

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 21 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com