UNHAPPY CHRISTMAS II

Christmas island residents have only enjoyed permanent residency status on their island since the early 1980's. Because of the lack of past security and stability and the diverse ethnic mix on the island, it has been a challenging task for the Shire government and the people of Christmas to develop a greater degree of social cohesion and a spirit of community enterprise and self-reliance. They have both the will and the goodwill to work towards these goals. However they feel they are obstructed and frustrated every step of the way by remote-control and unaccountable Governments operating from Perth and Canberra. The Christmas Islanders say that their self-esteem and confidence is continually eroded by lack of consultation and sensitivity to their real needs.
The following situations, which have occurred on Christmas Island, could well occur on Norfolk Island if we hand over the reins.

The Commonwealth, responsible for health on the island, has built a modern new hospital.
However:
*All pregnant women must travel to Perth or another large mainland centre for the birth of their babies, something which has negative cultural, social and financial impacts for families.
*Up-to-the-minute equipment at the hospital is idle or under-utilised because of staffing, maintenance and indemnity issues.
*Although the Commonwealth guarantees a medivac service, it does not guarantee a supplier, and delays of 24 hours or longer can occur in obtaining a provider, with potentially fatal results.
*In 2003, the Health Service proposed shutting the hospital at night "to improve community health services!" and to keep within the budget. They were actually told it was NOT a funding issue!

Some other examples of a bureaucratic and irrelevant government:

*The Commonwealth is funding a combined public and community libarary. However instead of being able to purchase books, they are loaned and freighted in boxes from the W.A. State Library Service, an expensive exercise
*In 2002, the Administrator advised that a helicopter was to be permanently located on the island, and a hangar was built. The helicopter was involved in one search and rescue mission, then removed from the island never to return.
*A newly constructed Recreation Centre, designed and located without the involvement of the community, and far more sophisticated than is needed by a population of 1500, will cost the community $750 000 per annum to run and maintain. The then Minister Wilson Tuckey told the islanders "You're going to get this Recreation Centre whether you like it or not!
*A temporary Immigration Detention Centre was built...again without consultation... on a site that had been set aside for a Waste Transfer Station, which impacted severely on waste minimisation strategies and wasted much time and money.
*Against the expressed desire of the islanders, the Commonwealth refused a Casino licence to a Korean company, thus denying them the opportunity to experience the positive financial and employment benefits of this private investment.
*Business and Agriculture Support services available in West Australia are NOT available to territory residents. In fact, all legislation relating to the ability of a company doing business on the island to actually register itself on the island has been repealed
*The Commonwealth owns most of the land on Christmas Island, including that occupied by temples etc, and by calling all its building activity "public works", considers itself exempt from planning consideration or approval.
*Meanwhile, while the Shire has use and access to land and buildings required for its service provision, it has no title to them, meaning it has no assets.
*Christmas Islanders vote in the Federal electorate of Lingiari, which is in the Northern Territory!

We have built a strong and enterprising community here on Norfolk Island, with a high level of service provision that is geared towards our real needs.

Do we really wish to place this at risk?