LIVING IN HOPE

Different people have reacted in different ways to Australia's plans to strip Norfolk of its right to self-government.
There are some who want it to happen.
Some think we deserve to have it happen.
Some just think it is inevitable.
Some don't mind.
Some don't care.
But fortunately there is a large body of people who think this is a very special place, and do not want to risk losing those things that make it special. They believe that Australia's push is not only unjust and undemocratic, but that it will cause enormous damage to our economy, our identity and the well-being of our community. They are very proud of what this island and its people have achieved, and have great confidence and optimism that we can continue to be a strong and vibrant community, while maintaining control over our own affairs.
I was very impressed by this statement put out by the NORFOLK ACTION GROUP. It was in last week's Norfolk Islander, and would like to reproduce it mainly for the benefit of the Norfolkers and friends overseas who regularly check in to "Angels and Eagles."

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM NAG.
"We live in 'd' baes side iin d' werld (We live in the best place in the world.)
We know it. The hundreds of thousands who have holidayed here over the years know it too........
Our people have faced many challenges over the 150 years of the modern Norfolk, and we have always prevailed and grown stronger.
We are faced today with the biggest challenge in our short history which, through the intervention of the Commonwealth to limit (at best), and take away (at worst) our ability to self-govern, will greatly change our way of life, culture, and our community.
But, we believe we can prevail again.
Where we can be sustainable. Where we can retain all that is good about life and living here - our community and culture; improve what needs to be - and there are many areas where we must do better: build better experiences for tourists who tell us they do not want a mini-Australia to visit; and pay our way in a manner that is ours; in a future of self-government, and partnership with Australia, where we are not a burden on the tax-payers of our partner forever.
Furthermore, a self-determining Norfolk Island Government is the only government who can guarantee: the 'veranda' for our elderly; three doctors, a dentist, and a physiotherapist; you can have your baby on Norfolk Island; a low regulatory environment and low taxes that can underpin our competitiveness in tourism; a (democratic) choice as to the governance model we want; nil unemployment; and the best outcome for the Australian taxpayer."

A message for all our friends and family in New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world. We are working hard to keep this beautiful island a good place for you to come home to!!!

BOOM AND BUST...FEAST AND FAMINE

When you talk to the older folks on Norfolk Island, they will tell you about the good old days, and they will tell you that the good old days were often very tough. Yes, there are many very happy memories of wonderful people and gatherings and events, but putting food on the table meant plenty of hard work and resourcefulness and sharing..but they managed.
They will also tell you that the history of Norfolk Island in the last century tends to be one of "boom and bust." Over the years, there have been many industries that were developed to provide a cash flow for the community...whaling, bananas, passionfruit, lemon juice, seed and peel, oranges, bean seed, fish, flower seeds, palm seed, pine seed. Many of these were very successful for a time, and for periods actually attracted numbers of settlers to the island, as in the Banana Boom of the 1920's.
Many other things were also tried for a time, such as avocadoes, flax, broom millet and pumpkin seed, ginger, guavas.
That many of these eventually failed was usually a result of shipping difficulties, changing markets, and even trade embargoes. Nevertheless, the Norfolkers have always been ready to give something else a go. With an equable climate, good soil and a bit of hard work and initiative, anything was possible.
The growth of the Tourist industry, particularly in the 60's, saw a lessening of the dependence on agriculture, and an influx of people to help serve the needs of that industry or to capitalise on the opportunities it provided. Since then we have seen, not so much booms and busts, as peaks and troughs, usually due to changing demographics and factors beyond our control. But once again, Norfolkers have proved adaptable, and have developed new markets, strategies and facilities to keep things going, and in the meantime have tightened their belts a little until things improved.
Now Australia is no stranger to booms and busts. Mining, sugar, wheat, wool, car manufacturing, just to name a few, have had their fluctuations, and have often had to be "propped up" until solutions could be found. Government Revenues in Australia have not been immune either. How many times have we heard about the 96 billion dollars of debt the present government inherited from the previous Labour Government. Inflation, deficits, recessions....they are all part of the cycle of life, of business, of government.
So why is it that when Norfolk confronts a difficult time financially, suddenly our system of governance is unsustainable????
A commercial airline fails, the travel market undergoes some changes..these are factors beyond our control, but we have responded to these changes.
We have needed to undergo a learning and adapting process with our government accounting and revenue-raising. What government of any other country has not had to do that from time to time?
Can we be blamed for cynically suspecting that Australia has chosen this time to edge in when they think we are on our knees, and then place more obstacles in our path so we fall flat on our faces?
Norfolkers are resilient and adaptable. We have weathered downturns before. We are happy to make changes.
Meanwhile, we have not lost the willingness and the skills to put food on our tables. We still know about growing things for ourselves, pooling resources, sharing, bartering and bargaining.
We know how to improvise, how to budget, and how to help one another. These are qualities and skills that have largely been lost in the more welfare dependent communities in Australia.
Moreover, we still live in a very beautiful and peaceful and stable island, our soil is fertile and our climate is favourable.
We know we can see the good times again. It would be nice if Australia, as a friend and neighbour, could see their way to helping us on the path. It may need nothing more than a bit of time, and relaxing of some of the bureaucratic obstacles and red tape they put in our way.
Our island is rich in both its natural and human resources. Let us be positive about steering our future...the NORFOLK WAY.

TRACK RECORD

Australia is dealing with quite a few problems just lately, problems that are outside the normal day-to-day running of the country for the Australian people. There is a large deployment of troops overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, trying to solve problems that seem to defy answers. Now more troops are placed right on Australia's doorstep trying to bring order to Pacific Islands badly affected by violence and dissidence.
Then there the difficulties right at home in Australia's Aboriginal communities. We are seeing really severe social and health problems that will not go away. Many of these are the result of decades of policies and programs that were poorly conceived and delivered, however well-intentioned they may have been. The difficulties are complex, but one thing is abundantly clear:

If you dispossess a people..........


If you take away their means of providing for themselves..........


If you place them in a regulatory environment that is culturally inappropriate.............

....then no amount of money, not even $3.3 billion a year, will bring healing to the situation.

I do not intend to start laying blame. But Australia's track record is not good. And what makes me really angry is the Australian Government's inability to learn from its mistakes!

*Here on Norfolk Island we are confronting ignorance of and insensitivity to a people's cultural heritage.
*We are being dispossesssed of what Norfolk Islanders regard as their homeland, separate and distinct from any other country, including Australia.
*We are to be subjected to a body of law and an economic system that was designed for Australians, not Norfolkers.

Does Australia really want to create yet another community which has lost its spirit and pride, which is dependent on welfare and hand-outs, and which will sit uneasily in the one-size-fits-all Australian mold?
Here on Norfolk Island we have a community with a strong spirit and sense of rootedness. We are peaceful and law-abiding. We are healthy, energetic and productive. We have a high level of services and facilities and employment. But we have extremely low levels of crime, violence and anti-social behaviours. We are not a drain on Australia's finances, but provide for ourselves. We are not a security risk to anyone.
Why would we want anyone to come and spoil that for us?

NORFOLK ISLAND AND THE UNITED NATIONS - part2

Norfolk Island has been barred from making a direct approach to the United Nations in the past. We may have been able to appeal to the Committee dealing with de-colonisation but Australia conveniently omitted to tell that organisation that we were a non-self-governing territory, and not part of metropolitan Australia....and no one thought to question it.
Is there anything we can do about it now?
Back in 1978, when our appeal to the U.N. had been unsuccessful, our case was taken up by the United Nations Association of Australia. The President of the Association at the time was Richard Alston, but most of the spadework and and the subsequent report were the result of the efforts of their Media Officer John Bulbeck. The very clear and comprehensive report produced stated unequivocally that Norfolk Island had been wronged and misrepresented as to its true legal and constitutional status over a long period of time.
However, around that time, the Hon. Robert Ellicot had taken over as Minister responsible for Territories, and was obviously much more favourably disposed towards Norfolk Island's aspirations. Therefore, it was not deemed necessary to press the island's case before the U.N. any further, because it appeared that we were to be set on the path to self-determination anyway.
In hindsight, we would have been better to have waited, and had our status as a non-self-governing territory clearly established before embarking on the journey to self-determination. If we had done that, the process would have been monitored internationally, and we would have some real leverage and ammunition now. But as usual, our goodwill and trusting nature worked in Australia's favour. And now they continue to have the upper hand.
So is it too late?
Well, just think about the "Australianisation" process that has gone on in the meantime. Not only have many Norfolkers become Australian citizens by default simply because they were born here, but in the past few years, you have more or less had to take out Australian citizenship if you wanted to qualify for residency. And now it is essential even if you want to vote or stand for the Assembly. Australian citizens have even been given the right to vote in Australian elections, although we said that we did not want it. So if an international body looks at Norfolk Island, and finds out that most of us are Australian citizens, they say "Well, what's the problem? You must be part of Australia."
Pretty cunning.
Would other member states of the United Nations be prepared to support us? Maybe. But you must realise that every single country is there basically to represent its own interests, and votes at the direction of its own government at home. Norfolk Island would not rank very high on their list of concerns. The U.N. does a lot of good things, through their humanitarian programmes and peacekeeping, but championing the cause of little places that do not have a voice of their own is not a high priority. I am sorry if that sounds cynical, but it comes from frustration.
What about our Pacific neighbours? Would they speak up for us in the U.N. General Assembly or sponsor our appeal?No doubt they would have some sympathy for us, but nowadays, they are so hopelessly enmeshed in the strings that are attached to the Foreign Aid they receive from Australia that they may need to think twice before openly supporting our cause! Trade deals and other agreements that countries have with each other further complicate the situation.
I am told it may be possible to take our case to the U.N. Committee of Human Rights, but we must be sure we have the political will and necessary funding. Does that mean we will have Minister Lloyd shaking his finger at us, and warning us about using public funds, as he did over the High Court Case?
Maybe in the end, it will still be up to you and me....to speak up, let as many people as you can know what is happening, write letters, make your views known to our own Assembly as well as Australia's representatives and bureaucrats. It doesn't matter if you do not think you are good with words...just tell it like it is, from your own point of view. Get on the phone or the fax, take up your pen, sit down at your computer. If you really love this island, do it from the heart and with passion.
Norfolk may just be a tiny place in the scheme of things, but it would appear that we are extremely important to Australia.....important enough for Australia to shamelessly and dishonestly ignore our rights over as long period of time.

NORFOLK AND THE UNITED NATIONS - part one

Many of us are probably asking ourselves where we can go for help in seeking a fair and just solution for Norfolk Island.
We can make endless submissions and write countless letters to DOTARS, the Minister, the P.M., and the Fact-finding Bodies they send our way, but their minds are all made up. We are told that both sides of Federal Parliament want to see Norfolk Island brought under the Australian taxation and welfare system. Even those brave MP's who have shown sympathy for Norfolk Island's case in the past have been well and truly muzzled.
We are hopeful about the High Court Case, but must remember that although those judges are independent of politics, it is still the High Court of Australia. We can play the media, but the media is fickle, and would be more interested in our cause if we showed some inclination for banner carrying, demonstrations and violent tactics, and other activities that are simply not in the Norfolk character.
What about the United Nations?
Sadly, they cannot and will not help us.
Australia has seen to that.
Back in 1977, when we were under threat from the Nimmo Report, we tried to appeal to the United Nations, and were unsuccessful.
WHY??
Well, back in 1945, Australia was a signatory to the U.N. Charter, which included article 73 which related to a country's responsibilities to non- self-governing territories. This article would have given considerable protection to Norfolk Island in its desire to move towards self-determination....except that Australia omitted to include Norfolk Island in its list of non-self-governing territories! Cocos was listed, and so was Papua - but not Norfolk Island. And in case you think this was just an oversight, Australia had the chance to make amends later in 1975 when a Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on "United Nations Involvement with Australia's Territories" stated clearly that "a number of factors militate against even the possibility of United Nations involvement in Norfolk Island." They said that Norfolk Island is part of mainstream Australia.....and no other member state of the U.N. has ever questioned the matter. Britain even listed Pitcairn as a non-self-governing territory....but Australia refued to give us that status, although that is clearly what we were...and we were left with no international rights! Another case of "Australia does it simply because they can."
So if we wish to speak with the U.N., we must ask Australia to do so on our behalf (fat chance), and any approach to the Committee of 24 on Decolonisation must come from the General Assembly of the U.N.
Thus Australia has been absolved of any responsibility towards this island, according to U.N. Charter, "to develop self government, to take due account of the political aspirations of the peoples and to assist them in the progressive develoment of their free political institutions..."
So do we go on feeling too small and insignificant for the rest of the world to worry about us?
Can we do anything about it?
Or is it too late?

ARE YOU LISTENING??

At the moment the buzz word seems to be "consultation".
IN 1995, the then Shadow Minister for Territories said in the Commonwealth Parliament, referring to Norfolk Island and its people:
"we ought not to presume or assume that any changes that impinge on their constitutional and legal rights ought be imposed without a degree of special consultation"
We are now being told that it is all right for Australia to be doing what it is because extensive consultation is taking place.
I thought I was missing something, so I looked the word "consult" up in the dictionary...I used the big Macquarie dictionary (an Australian dictionary) to be sure I got it right. It said:
1.to seek counsel from; ask advice of. 2. to refer to for information. 3. to have regard to (a person's interest,convenience etc.) in making plans. 4. to consider or deliberate; take counsel; confer.
Now quite frankly, I just cannot see that this process is taking place at all. Because to me, definitions 1 and 2 mean that the person you consult is presumed to have the skills, wisdom and knowledge to help you make the right decisions. When you consult a doctor, you listen to him/her. You do not come with your own diagnosis and write your own prescription. And when you genuinely consult with the Norfolk Island people, you listen to them and take their advice, because they know best. Consultations with Grants Commissions, Bureaux of Statistics and Standing Committees are not the same as seeking counsel from us!
Definition 3 is definitely not taking place, however warm and fuzzy the Minister tries to make it sound when he talks about enjoying the same benefits of all "other Australians". When it comes down to it, this is more about Australia's national interest than ours.
As for Definition 4, well, I will agree some of those things are taking place, but we, the people who are being affected, are being left right out of the equation. Canberra is conferring and deliberating with everyone except us. I believe the preparations for the final takeover have been extensive, and have spread through several government departments at all sorts of levels, even in some state and municipal areas. Yes, I know some of this may be "demtul," but let's face it, we on Norfolk Island are being tkept in the dark and told very little.
If Canberra thinks we have a problem - economic, governmental or otherwise - wouldn't it have been better for all the stakeholders to sit down around a round table and confer as equals, and seek solutions that are mutually beneficial?
There is nothing consultative about presenting us with two non-negotiable options, with the details to be announced later after receiving the results of Commissions and Inquiries into whose terms of reference we have had NO INPUT!
As for negotiation and dialogue - two more words bandied around by those who insist that Australia will do the right thing by us - they are also meaningless in this situation. Australia has the upper hand, they set the terms, they choose the questions, and they listen to what fits with their pre-conceived plans, and ignore the rest.
It is not just about consultation either. It is about rights and democracy. We were given self-government. The members of the Australian Government should be treating the members of our government as equals.
It is not good enough to be playing political games as if our government were members of the Minister's Federal Opposition! Nor is it right for him to be bypassing our elected government with open letters and public press releases as if we were constituents of his electorate with whom he needs to curry favour.
Minister - can't we have a fresh start and go about all this in the right and honourable way?
Or do we have to 'cop it sweet'?
(See article in today's Norfolk Islander 20th May 2006 -"FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST LISTEN")

THE GREAT EXPERIMENT

Ever since the first discovery of the little community on Pitcairn in 1808, with John Adams, that hardy survivor of the Mutiny on the Bounty, and the Tahitian wives and offspring, the Pitcairn/Norfolk community has been an object of interest in the eyes of the world. Folk back in England in the early 19th century were amazed at the transformation this little group of people had undergone, their piety and godliness, the peace and good order of the community, and their simple survival of a violent period and extreme isolation.
The fact that they had become a "novelty" in the eyes of the world, and that some of the interest was somewhat patronising, fortunately did not trouble them much. They continued their isolated existence, benefitting from the benign assistance from regular visiting ship's captains and friends back in England. However, we know that they captured the interest of those interested in the science of "eugenics"( i.e. the science of choosing parents in order to produce a particular type of offspring (the modern designer babies.), an interest that continued right up until the 1920's when the anthropologist Dr Harry Shapiro, after extensive studies, concluded that the offspring and descendants of the crossing of the Polynesian and the British bloodstock displayed a "physical vigour which equals, if not surpasses, either parent stock."
(Even in recent years, unfriendly journalists have chosen to refer to this community as "inbred.")
When the Pitcairners made their move to Norfolk Island, it is apparent that the outside world, and those in authority continued to view the community very much as an interesting social experiment. In his book "Norfolk Island and the Third Settlement" Ray Nobbs writes that the concept of the move and re-settlement of the Pitcairn community being an experiment occurs frequently in the communications and writings of Governor Denison.
"the Pitcairners...did not realise they were subjects of an experiment, albeit a sincere one, which was open to review and future qualification. Their interpretation was thus misguided on two accounts; the nature of the proposal itself (they regarded Norfolk Island as ceded to them by Queen Victoria) and the permanency of the agreement about exclusive occupancy." (Norfolk Island and the Third Settlement pp47-48)
In our past 150 years, we have been made painfully aware that we continue to be treated like guinea pigs or lab rats. Our methods of governance and constitutional status have been chopped and changed on a regular basis, and rarely has it been done with proper consultation with those involved on this island, except in very minor matters. We have been expected to adapt and make the best of it, which I believe has been done with considerable grace.
We could be forgiven for thinking that in 1979 the experiment was coming to an end, and that finally we had the certainty that at last our future was to be in our own hands. We really thought it was set in cement.
Our hopes have been dashed. The neo-colonial authorities, it seems, were still only viewing it as a trial. They were playing with us once again. In fact, it seems that we were like rats in a maze, trying to find our way through to the cheese. Everytime we were showing signs of success, they would move it, or place obstacles in our path.
Now they are tired of the game. The novelty has well and truly worn off. The subjects of their experiment are to put back into the large cage.....the one where they keep the enormous homogenised mass of all Australian citizens. It is the final solution. In the future, it will be hard to recognise us from any Australian community. That is why we must strongly resist the "Consistency, Uniformity and Control" drive, articulated by the Minister, which I believe is the true reason for Canberra's encroachment on our historic rights and freedoms.
The frightening thing is that what Australia means to do in the name of fixing our economy is the greatest gamble and risk that this community has ever been subjected to. They can send all the number-crunchers here that they like, but they just cannot give any satisfactory evidence that governance changes will stimulate our economy. On the contrary, it will place it at great risk, and probably have an enormous social and cultural impact as well.
But this time it will be too late to reverse the changes. We simply will not be able to go back and start again.

CONSISTENCY, UNIFORMITY AND CONTROL

CONSISTENCY, UNIFORMITY AND CONTROL.....I heard it from the Minister's own lips......with my own ears. And he used all three words in one sentence.
Yes, and most of us already knew it ....... that is the REAL reason for wanting to take away our right to self-government.
It is not about the economy, it is not even about border control, it is about bringing us into line, shortening the tether-rope, taking away everything that makes us different.
If you listened to Jim Lloyd's radio interview with George Smith, you will know that it is very clear that the Minister cannot and will not give us any sound or rational reasons for what his government has planned for this island.
He says it is about the Acumen report, but it is blatantly obvious that all of this was in the pipeline long before that report.
He says it is a Cabinet decision, not his......but the buck stops with him, and it is up to him to give us explanations.
He tells us he receives emails from business people asking Australia to come and take over soon because they are going broke......but gives no clues as to how those businesses will fare better under a high-taxing, high-compliance regime.
He tells us we do not have an electoral voice.....but we elect our own parliament every 3 years to manage our affairs, and Canberra plans to strip them of much of their powers and authority and revenue raising capability. And his own government has actually stripped some of our residents of their local electoral voice and rights!
He says that Canberra will work with the N.I. Government "where they can"......but fails to show even common courtesies to our elected representatives, let alone pursue clear lines of communication.
He talks about negativity towards the proposals, but fails to notice that most opposition comes from people who are very positive about keeping Norfolk Island as it is, because they think it is the best place in the world, and they envy no one....not even all those people benefitting from Australia's so-called prosperity.
He talks about misinformation............but shows an appalling lack of accurate knowledge about our proposed NSL.
And of course we may never know what misinformation has led to the Cabinet making this decision.
And as for gloating about a gift of less than a million dollars to his own Gosford Council for roads in the recent Budget!
Admit it Minister.....that is for a population far higher than ours, and the Acumen report said we are heading for insolvency and we need to spend a whopping $86 million on our local Norfolk roads in the next few years!
Moreover, I presume these councils need those handouts, because I am led to believe that a high proportion of them are heading for insolvency!!!!!
Methinks the Minister should be avoiding interviews and press releases, because the web he is weaving is becoming increasingly tangled.
Remember...CONSISTENCY, UNIFORMITY AND CONTROL.....that is what Canberra has in mind for little Norfolk Island. That is their agenda. The rest is a smokescreen.

PROMOTING NORFOLK'S CAUSE

Ed Howard moved to Norfolk Island in the 1970's, seeking a quiet life of retirement. Instead, this former American citizen found himself in the centre, and sometimes at the forefront of a political struggle to enshrine the historic rights of the Pitcairners into law. Ed Howard took Australian citizenship, then proceeded to "take on" the Australian Government. He served terms on the Assembly, and became a mentor to groups such as the Pitcairn Descendants' Society. Ed had the skills and resources to conduct research into legal and historical documents that would throw light on the issues involved, and he was also able to articulate the concerns and aspirations of many Norfolk Islanders.
When asked why he bothered, especially when his actions aroused strong opposition in many quarters, he said:

"I dislike bullies. When I see a bully, I move in."

Ed was keen to dispel the view that he supported full independence from Australia.
He said:
"Human sharks smell such situations and move in."
This still happens today. There are very few people who truly want to secede, but the idea does sound tempting when Australia refuses to negotiate or compromise on a fair and just basis.
Ed devoted considerable time to examining the documents surrounding the move of the Pitcairners from Pitcairn Island to Norfolk Island. He said it was true that later documents made it clear that there were to be limitations placed on the Pitcairners' rights to ownership of the land on Norfolk Island.
Nevertheless, Ed declared, the documents on which the Pitcairners based their agreement to leave their home did make it clear that Norfolk Island was to be ceded to them. Neither they, nor Lieutenant Gregorie who negotiated the move with the Pitcairners, were aware of later amendments. The view that the documents must be read in proper sequence is also promoted by Professor Ray Nobbs in his new book to be launched next month.
Ed was greatly persuaded by the strong oral tradition, handed down through island families, that Norfolk Island was rightfully theirs, a gift from Queen Victoria. He said:

"Nimmo found there was nothing to support any idea that Pitcairners have 'special rights' to Norfolk. I thought, hold on, if people have been believing something for five or six generations, there has got to be something in it."

There is no doubt that the battle that Ed Howard took on 20-30 years ago is much the same struggle that we face today. The Pitcairners, brought up on Christian values, believed that the word of the colonial authorities could be trusted and believed. They were sadly let down. And we are still being let down today.

NO GOING BACK

When the subject of Norfolk's future comes up in conversations, I sometimes hear people say:
"Oh well, we will just go back to the way we were before 1979. We managed then and we will be okay."

Having invested a great deal of personal emotional energy into resisting Australia's push, I only wish I could share their confidence or complacency!
That is because it will NOT be as it was before self-government at all. This is a totally new and different situation we face.

Pre-1979, the Administrator acted on the advice of his Advisory Council. Only when he strongly disagreed would a matter be referred to Canberra.
Under proposed changes, Canberra will have all the say in everything except minor domestic matters. It will be government by remote-control.

Pre-1979, Norfolk was governed according to Norfolk laws, designed for Norfolk Island and Norfolk residents.
Under the proposed changes, Norfolk will be governed according to Australian Commonwealth laws for the benefit of Australia and for any Australian citizens who choose to live here.

Pre-1979, the Norfolk Island was able to tender advice on how revenues should be spent. Although there was occasional friction, it was generally accepted that it should be spent on what locals recognised as their real needs.
Under proposed changes, all the big financial decisions will be made by Canberra, and although big money may be spent, it may not necessarily be what we want or need, and much of it will be spent on outside contractors, bureaucrats, middlemen, consultancies etc.

Pre-1979, this was very much the home of the Norfolk Islanders and those people they had welcomed to join them in this community.
Under the proposed changes, there will be no T.E.P's or G.E.P.'s, or "permanent residents" for that matter. There will be no special rights for anyone who feels they have a special relationship with the island, no matter who they are. All jobs, contracts, tenders etc will be up for grabs, available to anyone who holds Australian citizenship.

Pre-1979, our economy, our administration, our governmental processes and our infrastructure were much simpler. There has been an enormous development in our business sector, our infrastructure and our level of services and facilities since that time.
Under the proposed changes, there would be an enormous impact on the complex economic, and administrative systems that we ourselves have developed to meet our special Norfolk needs in this new millennium.

Pre 1979, Norfolk Island could be proud of its separate status, and its unique heritage, culture and value system.
Under the proposed changes, the "Australianisation" process would gather momentum and we will have very few means to resist it (it is hard enough now!)

Make no mistake...these 26 years of self-government have not been a little "detour". There will be no "putting the genie back in the bottle" as someone has said.
This will be an enormous change from anything Norfolk Island has known before, and once it has happened, whether we like it or not, there will be no turning back!

THE MAIN ISSUES

Since Minister Lloyd's announcement on February 20, Community concern and discussion seem to have focussed on three main issues.

THE ECONOMIC ISSUE
Some share Canberra's view that Norfolk can no longer provide for itself, while others feel that given a bit of help and support, we can recover from our current downturn and not only be sustainable but a vibrant economy.
There are some who would welcome the opportunity to receive an Australian pension and assistance in areas such as Health and Education, while others feel that Canberra's proposals would make self-reliance impossible, make business unaffordable and uncompetitive, and lead to a decrease in services and facilities we now enjoy.

THE RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY ISSUE
Several in our community have long held the view that Norfolk Island is very much part of Australia, and that Canberra is entitled to impose whatever regime it likes on Norfolk Island. At the other end of the scale are those who believe that Norfolk Island does not belong to Australia at all and continues to be a distinct and separate settlement. There are many shades of views in between, including those who accept that we are a territory under the Commonwealth of Australia, but that Canberra should not make decisions that affect us without consultation and our agreement. Often the question is what comes first ...our rights and responsibilities as Norfolk citizens or as Australians.

THE IDENTITY ISSUE
This is the area that arouses the most passion, and is very much bound up with the other two areas. Many feel that unless we are allowed to make our own choices and decisions about our way of life, our way of dealing with issues and with each other, and about our laws, then our culture and heritage are under threat. They feel their identity as a separate people is threatened by the 'Australianisation' process. Meanwhile others are satisfied that we can still live out our own culture and traditions even though we live under the Australian regime.

I believe there is an important fourth issue that we should all confront, and ask Australia to explain.

THE HONESTY ISSUE
To my way of thinking, Canberra has not been open or honest about why they are imposing their own laws and governance models on us. Nothing they are proposing can be shown to solve our economic difficulties which they state are the problem. They cannot give us any sound reason why we need to come under their Customs, Immigration and Quarantine umbrella, or why Commonwealth laws should apply here. They consistently deny us the right to pursue any initiatives that will help our sustainability. In fact, they place obstacles in our path. They speak about consultation and negotiation, but we are not allowed any input into the agenda. Everything they say to justify their actions sounds to me like a "furphy" and a distraction from the real issues.
Australia seems to need us more than we need them.
Is it "our" oil and other resources?
Is it for strategic reasons?
Is it because they are just tired of the Norfolk Anomaly?
Is it because this is one of the easier steps in their big neo-colonial push in the Pacific?
WE SHOULD RECOGNISE IT, AND CANBERRA SHOULD ADMIT IT.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT NORFOLK ISLAND.
IT IS ALL BEING DONE IN AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL INTEREST.

TAKE A BOW NORFOLK ISLAND

As much as Canberra would like to paint a picture of doom and gloom, and have us on our financial knees, this little island is doing remarkably well. The image of a busy, buzzing little community seems to persist.
In the past eight or nine days, there have been a number of fundraising functions. Last week we had the Easter Carnival, this weekend we have had a major Benefit night for local residents, a Car Wash and a Quiz night for the kids going to Tahiti, and a Fish/Fry entertainment evening for those raising funds to show hospitality for our Tahitian friends coming for Bounty. There has been a very successful "Shave for a Cure" at the Sports and Workers, and no doubt other functions and raffles.
I would say that conservatively speaking, well over $100 has been given in the "helping out" and "Inasmuch" spirit by every man, woman and child on this island on average in this period, and that does not include generous donations of prizes by individuals and businesses, and time given by entertainers and organisers.
Not that those attending these functions have not benefitted and had a good time too in return. But that is how it works here. You get out if life what you put in. It is called community spirit, and you should never underestimate the extent to which it keeps this island ticking over.
Much of our business community, too, is not only holding its own in the downturn, but doing well. Especially those who have taken the trouble to re-organise, brighten their premises, offer incentives, meet the needs of their customers, and maintain an optimistic outlook. I do believe we are in a better position to sustain ourselves than we would be under the mainland systems, where small businesses last an average of just 2 years in the best of circumstances! Our flexibility, our close relationship with our customers and market, and lack of red tape really works in our favour. Minister Lloyd actually warned people to hold off from investing in business here at a business luncheon in February. Glad to say his advice was ignored by many.
Norfolkers are travelling too...just go out to the airport any time and see who gets on and off the planes! That wasn't happening two or three decades ago. This weekend, the Markets were bustling, lots of locals were enjoying the pleasant autumn weather at Sports Venues, at the al fresco eating places, in their gardens, and carrying out DIY jobs on their homes. And if the seas were good, you can bet plenty of them were out fishing too.
I feel positive and confident about this place, and that is why I will keep speaking up to keep this island in control of its own future.

CREDIBILITY AT STAKE

From time to time there arises a situation where our success and well-being depends on the decisions and actions of someone else. It may be a doctor, or a lawyer, or a politician. When this happens, we need to trust and hope that the person concerned not only has our best interests at heart, but they are able to act with skill, with wisdom, and with integrity.
Which is why the membership of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories is a bit of a worry. Now we all know that to a large extent, the findings of this committee are the justification and the rationale for much of the recent decision-making from Canberra on the future of Norfolk Island.
I have been re-visiting the transcript of the programme that was aired on Channel Nine in 2004, in which several people were interviewed about the Janelle Patton murder. Two of our esteemed JSC members allowed themselves to be interviewed for this programme...Senator Lightfoot, the chairman of the Committee and Senator Hogg. I find myself scratching my head about what they thought they could contribute to the issue, but nevertheless they were quite happy to be quoted on the subject.

As I read through the script, I read the following from Ross Lightfoot:
"People on the island know who murdered Janelle....No question that they know. It's very, very hard to penetrate that husk of silence that surrounds Norfolk Islanders when they want to protect their own."
"The committee's report published last Christmas was largely ignored on the mainland but it's a scathing indictment of how federal parliamentarians see life operating on Norfolk under the peaceful veneer."
"There's a lack of respect for outside authority. That includes the seconded AFP police officers, who are fine men, and includes a lack of respect for this committee."

And from John Hogg:
"There is an atmosphere of threat and violence and fear permeating throughout the island."
"In the environment they live in, they (i.e. possible informants) really fear for their lives. And their families."

I must say that I simply do not recognise the island and islanders I know and love after 40 years in these statements and the rest of the transcript.
But I do recognise sour grapes, and worse- venom, spleen, paranoia, and incredible prejudice that borders on racial hatred.
We all know that now these two men are left with a good dose of egg on their faces.
Their credibility is seriously damaged.
But they are still on the Joint Standing Committee, and still trusted by Canberra to carry out the role of investigating and reporting on Norfolk Island affairs....hopefully with fairness and justice!!
This leaves serious and worrying questions in my mind.
How about you?
You can read the transcript for yourself at
http://www.sunday.ninemsn.com.au/sunday/cover_stories/transcript_1586.asp

COUNTING THE COST

A team from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is on the island, collecting facts and figures on business activity on the island.
They tell us they are completely independent. But no one is independent if they are commissioned and funded by another body, and get their instructions and terms of reference from that body.
They also tell us that the information they receive will not be identifiable as coming from a particular business. When it is collated, it will all be "averaged out." Well, we are also getting used to the idea that we are going to be treated like "average" Australians.
Nevertheless the ABS fellows are only doing their job. Asking questions and getting answers, with varying degrees of co-operation.
I hear they are getting an earful while they do their rounds. People are telling them that business is doing it tough at the moment, but not nearly as tough as it will be if Canberra takes over. We are used to boom and bust on this island, and we can adapt, make changes and fight back. This is a busy, vibrant little island with loads of potential. And Canberra's "solutions" will do nothing to stimulate our economy.
So what harm can a collection of figures and graphs do?
Our big worry is what Canberra will do with those numbers. How they will twist them to support their message and agenda. They have already made the unfounded assumption that we have not got what it takes to be sustainable.
Through all this torrent of costings and assessments we are undergoing, we must ask:

"What about the human factor?"

Does Canberra realise they are dealing with a community of real people, with emotions and feelings? Do they count?
A young man told me today that he will be heartbroken if Canberra gets its way with the island. Many people have told me that the threats the island is facing actually make them feel depressed and physically ill. They feel a passionate love for their island home and their heritage...........and Canberra doesn't seem to care.
It has been called "bloodless genocide" in one quarter, and as dramatic as that may sound, it is an indication of how people feel about having their unique identity and birthright snatched from them.
Figures and statistics are all very well in their place, but the way of life we enjoy here on this island is priceless. Australia may promise to pour millions into this island if they take control, but they can never compensate us for what we will lose.

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Benjamin Disraeli

SOMETHING FISHY

You may have noticed that ever since Minister Jim Lloyd made his announcement on February 20th, we have not been given much more information. The Canberra people have just repeated the same thing over and over again. Perhaps if they keep saying it, they hope we will believe it. They have not even made much attempt to explain or justify what they plan to do. They have not been able to demonstrate that their plan will solve any problems we may have.
They simply want to swallow us up. They say it is for our own good, and we in turn are expected to swallow it hook, line and sinker!

*They tell us we are in economic difficulties - and then threaten to block any initiatives we want to make to strengthen and diversify our economy.

*They tell us we face future insolvency, then take away our customs revenue to make sure it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy!

*They tell us they have to take away our customs, immigration and quarantine and say it is about border control. But we already have to go through exactly the same immigration and customs barriers and checks as every other visitor or exporter to Australia.

*They say they want to "maintain the strength, self-reliance and culture of Norfolk", and then they threaten to take away the very things that have kept us self-reliant and strong up until now.

*They talk about the "special character of Norfolk Island and its history and its people" - and think they can preserve it by extending Australian Commonwealth laws to the island.

*They talk endlessly about consultation - but have ensured that it is only a one-way process and that we have absolutely no say in the agenda!

*They say that we should not expect the Australian taxpayer to fund a small helping hand out of our current temporary difficulties, but they can afford to spend $674 million in aid towards governance in other 'independent' Pacific islands in one financial year.

The simple fact is that they have had a long-standing and well-developed agenda to swallow us up and make us just another part of mainstream Australia. They want to take away our separate identity and absorb us into their system of laws and government. They do not really want to help us...they would rather see us dependent on them.

It is unfair. It is unjust. It is undemocratic.

It doesn't even make sense.

It must not happen.