LUB-BE NORFOLK

Let Norfolk Island Be.

This bumper sticker was commonly seen on the back of Norfolk vehicles in the 1970's. It expressed very succinctly the feeling of frustration that Norfolk people felt with the continuing interference of the Federal Government in their affairs. For a small section of the community, it expressed a desire to really "go it alone." I have heard this view expressed fairly frequently in recent days, as people contemplate the possibility of another lifetime of having their basic rights squashed and their heritage and culture ignored.
For most however, "Lub-be Norfolk" simply meant "Stop messing around with us, and let us get on with governing this island in the best interests of its inhabitants." Although there have always been some in the community who want closer integration into Australia, the majority by far simply want a close and friendly association which would benefit both countries.
The fact is that the Norfolk Island people have been remarkably consistent in their wishes and aspirations for the governance of their community.
On their removal from Pitcairn to Norfolk, the islanders desired that they should be allowed to live according to their own laws and customs, without interference from outside. Much the same as we desire today!
When almost all their laws were repealed in 1896, and they lost any measure of autonomy by being annexed to New South Wales, the incumbent magistrates Adams and Quintal expressed their concerns in a letter that gives a strong sense of deja vu!
They stated that that the move would:

" First, involve the destruction of the distinctive character and race of the people, as well as the ancient laws, institutions, and customs of themselves and of their Pitcairn fathers;

Secondly, subject the people to a code of laws entirely different from their own and unsuited to their circumstances;

Thirdly, inundate the island with strangers and expose all its unalienated land;

Fourthly, subject the island to taxation; and

Fifthly, deprive the islanders of the rights(which they had exercised for over 100 years) of electing their own magistrates."

Over the next 80 years, the feelings of the islanders remained unchanged. They never resigned themselves to being subjected to the rule and order of Australia and her representatives, and continually asked and petitioned for a greater say and genuine control in their own affairs, and the right to say how the moneys raised on the island were to be spent.
In 1962, after rejecting the local municipal governance offered by Australia, the President of the Advisory Council, Mr Jim Needham, said:

"Norfolk Island has been remarkably consistent in knowing what form of government it wants...........our policy, after all, has been consistent for 65 years. Can it be more clearly stated in any other form?" (Pacific Islands Monthly Jan 1962)

Today, in 2006, our aspirations still remain the same. We still know what we want and need. Could any member of the Australian government say that?
No, but with their blinkered eyes and blocked ears, they continue to call the tune with no real attempt to consult and negotiate with us.
Yes, I know they send commissions, committees and inquiries here with tedious regularity, and we will have a real barrage of them this year. The trouble is, they do not even know the right questions to ask, let alone the answers. They will only hear what they want to hear, and dismiss everything else as the rantings of a noisy, self-interested minority!!
By all means continue to write to and email the Minister and DOTARS, but contact the P.M., the Treasurer, the Foreign Minister and all the ordinary M.P.'s and Senators. If they will not listen, I feel we must start to tell the rest of the world. Let your friends and relatives know what is happening to this island. Write to the newspapers, Human Rights' Organisations, anyone you can think of. Get behind our Assembly, and encourage them to be proactive in resisting Australia's push.

Keep positive and don't give in.
If we lose what we have, we will never get it back.