FAIR GAME

Many Norfolkers sat up last night in front of their televisions to watch the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. They would have been particularly keen to see the Norfolk Island Contingent, who marched in towards the end, with broad smiles and waving their Norfolk flags with great enthusiasm.
No doubt the competitors from every participating country, large and small, were feeling immense pride in having the opportunity to represent their homeland on this broader international front. And none more so than the Norfolkers, who fear that this is the last time they will do so.
Changes to Norfolk Island's constitutional status may well disqualify the island from future participation in this and other International Competition. Canberra and DOTARS, sensing that this is a very emotional issue, have said that they are investigating ways by which Norfolk can still take part. Well, I know they often promise miracles, but I cannot see how they can influence or tinker with the qualifying criteria of the Commonwealth Games Organisation. The simple fact of the matter is that they are taking away our 'separate' status, and drawing us into mainstream Australia, and in future we will probably need to qualify as Australians and represent that country. Because, as they keep telling us, we are Australians and reside in Australia. Their plans to put all our borders firmly within Australia...i.e. by assuming control of customs, immigration etc...will take away the last evidence of our being a distinct and separate entity.
This is not a new issue. When Australia removed Norfolk's right to participate in the South Pacific Commission some years ago, our right to participate in South Pacific sporting events was also under threat. Intervention by Sporting federations came to the rescue, and not only were we able to enter the South Pacific Games as a separate country, but were also admitted to separate membership of the Commonwealth Games Organisation. I recall that Canberra was extremely unhappy about this situation at the time. We held our heads high, and have taken part ever since the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1986. The opportunity to compete with other smaller Pacific Islands and Commonwealth countries has been a great incentive and boost to our local sportspeople and organisations, and has contributed to the strength and vibrancy of the sporting scene on the island. It is an important factor in the social interaction and cohesion in our community, but also keeps health and fitness issues to the forefront. It helps our tourism, and it also helps us build and maintain a sound and friendly relationship with our Pacific neighbours. Desirable outcomes for any community, I should think!
Meanwhile Canberra's policy during the Games has begun to take a different twist. They have been sending their representatives, including the Minister and Administrator, to attend all the official functions at which Norfolk is represented. Are they trying to reinforce the fact that there is a change in the "chain of command?"
It is not just about being able to compete in future Commonwealth Games. It is about us representing our homeland. It is about our Norfolk Island identity. It is something we cherish. It is our heritage. It makes us what we are...Norfolkers first and foremost. Our separate and distinct identity is something we must not lose.