top of page

Press Release







18.10.2024


On Tuesday 15th October 2024, the Norfolk Island Administrator George Plant, met with the President of Norfolk Island People for Democracy (NIPD) Ric Robinson to formally receive NIPD's policy on Norfolk Island Self Government in Free Association with Australia. 


The document is entitled, "Seeking Justice and Democracy: Norfolk Island's Right to Self Determination and International law - An Historical and Political Timeline."  NIPD welcomes the opportunity to present its policy position and solution for establishing genuine democracy on Norfolk Island.


NIPD was formed as an Association in 2015, in direct response to the abolition of Norfolk Island's democratically elected Self-Government, the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly, by the Australian Government; an act which ruthlessly removed democracy, and the right to self-determination from the people of Norfolk Island, who had governed themselves for more than 30 years. NIPD is the largest association on Norfolk Island with 1,300 supporters in a community of 2,000. 


Since NIPD’s inception, it has advocated and lobbied the Australian Government for the restoration of the Island’s democratic rights.  NIPD's policy position of Free Association was first adopted in 2015, in line with UN principles on decolonisation. 


On 14 December 1960 the United Nations passed resolution 1514 which proclaimed the necessity of ‘bringing a speedy and unconditional end to colonialism in all its forms and manifestations’ and declared:

“All peoples have the right to self-determination and by virtue of that right can freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” (United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514)


The overview of Norfolk Island’s historical political timeline contained within this document, factually demonstrates the systemic injustices imposed upon the Norfolk Island People by perpetual denial of their civil, political and human rights under international law.  This document includes evidence of deceit at the highest levels of government including Australia’s full awareness of its obligations to list Norfolk Island with the United Nations for decolonisation.  A 1978 report by the United Nations Association of Australia (U.N.A.A.) confirmed Australia’s obligation to list Norfolk Island.

“…the reason that Norfolk Island was, in 1972, attached to the Department of Capital Territory instead of Science and External Territories with Cocos and Christmas Islands, was deliberately to avoid U.N. scrutiny.” (Report of the Royal Commission into Matters Relating to Norfolk Island Nimmo J.A. October 1976)

Australia has failed to list Norfolk Island as a non-self-governing territory on at least three occasions.


Norfolk Island and its People are entitled to self-determination.  The recent NIGC process in response to the JSC recommendations of “Restoring Democracy” in Norfolk Island has failed to stay within the parameters of its Terms of Reference.  The unilateral imposition of a new local government body with powers to make local government type laws only (as stated by Minister McBain), seeks to formalize by stealth, Norfolk Island’s integration into Australia, without allowing the people a democratic vote via referendum.  Norfolk Island is entitled to full Self-Government with legislating powers. 


Norfolk Island’s constitutional status as a distinct and separate settlement, established by Imperial Order in Council in 1856 cannot be abrogated.  Annexation is a flagrant violation of international law and cannot be unilaterally imposed. It can only be achieved through a treaty; a mutual agreement between parties.  This is one of the most well-established principles of modern international law and has received universal endorsement.


Now is the time to put an end to the century old conflict and injustice.  NIPD offer the Self-Government in Free Association policy (2024) as a genuine solution for justice, democracy and cooperation.  A fair and democratic future for all, through the full and free exercise of our civil and political rights, to determine our own future in accordance with UN principles of decolonisation and international law.  This is the right of the People of Norfolk Island.


NIPD encourages the people of Norfolk Island to come together in unity and engage to end the injustices of the past and to build a new just future for this Island community.

NIPD will shortly announce a public meeting to discuss its Self-Government in Free Association policy (2024). For any further information please feel free to connect with the NIPD Committee.


NIPD Links


ReplyForward

Add reaction


ReplyForward

Add reaction


Comments


bottom of page