HO-HUM

Ho-hum.
This was the response of many of us to the glossy booklet which was placed in our mailboxes this week.
It was very much more of the same. Two options, no third way.
The booklet, from the Australian Government, was designed to explain how governance operates in Australia, (or in the Minister's words"in other parts of Australia"). And what we could expect under either of the two models proposed for Norfolk Island.
My first reaction is to realise that we can expect a considerable waste of money on exercises such as this little booklet, with its pretty, but irrelevant pictures, and its description of how things work for Australians, with a governance system that has evolved in circumstances and an environment that is totally different to that of Norfolk island and the Norfolk Islanders.
The booklet pays mere lipservice to Norfolker's concerns and aspirations, with words and phrases like "input to the development and consultation process" and "input from the Norfolk island Government and community" and "intention to develop and consult with the Norfolk Island community".
However, I am afraid that this publication shows little evidence that they have been listening to us so far, except those things they want to hear. The very strong opposition to their plans that has come from many in this community is trivialised and dismissed by saying "many are understandably nervous about what the changes mean for them personally."
Well Minister, I am not merely worried for me personally. I am not just nervous....I am deeply concerned for this island and this community as a whole, and I am very worried that you are destroying something that is very special and quite unique in today's world. That is, a community and a way of life where individuals matter, where a spirit of self-reliance and resourcefulness keep things ticking over really well, and where there is a standard of living that would be the envy of any community anywhere!!
To date, you seem to have dismissed input from our government, and have even left them out of the loop altogether in some instances. Quite rightly, our government has made it clear that this publication only represents your side of the story. They have a different story to tell about what is needed to fix our problems, and ensure a strong and sustainable future for Norfolk Island and Norfolk Islanders.
We should not be deceived. In spite of its pictures of our children, our Chapel, our historic buildings, our monuments, our landscape...this booklet is not about Norfolk Island, it is about Australia. I suspect we can communicate our concerns, comments, and questions all we like...and we will continue to do so....but the fact is that Australia means to impose on us a system of governance that is not appropriate for the people of this island, and which will cause us to lose far more than we will gain.