SPEAKING UP

Something visitors find a little unusual about Norfolk Island is the relative lack of vocal protest or even group discussion of Norfolk's political future and proposed changes. Some may interpret as support for the changes, resignation, or perhaps even apathy. No doubt those feelings are out there among some folk. But I believe the real reasons for the relative silence can be found elsewhere. The fact is that discussion of these issues is extremely unsettling and divisive, and we do need to get on with our lives. We need to preserve a feeling of harmony and friendship with those we live and work and socialise with. The Norfolker's spirit of courtesy and good manners comes to the fore, and we do not want to put at risk the cohesiveness and stability of our community. Our government too must get on with governing this community as they were elected to do, and dealing with this issues that have been thrust upon them by Australia has increased their workload enormously. Not only that, but they too face the same uncertainties as the rest of us, and finding which is the path that the people of this island wish them to follow is not an easy task.
In the light of all this, it was very welcome to have the opportuntity on Tuesday to hear three people, leaders of community groups, speak out clearly about their aspirations for this island, and the path they feel we need to follow. This took place at a meeting organised by the Norfolk Island Action Group at Rawson Hall.
The Chief Minister David Buffett, speaking for the Norfolk Island Government, said that we should not be focussing on how far away we are from meeting our commitments, but how close we have come, given the difficulties of the past year or two. Comparisons were made with local government in NSW, which, it is reported, cannot meet its infrastructure needs. The Norfolk Government fully intends to make a strong case for the island's sustainability to Ministyer Lloyd, with the help of an independently commissioned report. David encouraged his listeners to remain positive and united, believing that continued self-government was achievable and negotiable.
Andre Nobbs then addressed the meeting on behalf of the Norfolk Action Group. This group also believes that the Acumen Report into Norfolk's finances was based on poor research and false assumptions, and NAG has put many hours into describing a more accurate picture of our present and future needs and spending priorities. Andre also urged us to feel positive by what this island has achieved..."amazed by contemporary Norfolk Island" were the words he used. In concluding he challenged us
"Don't let us be the generation who is blamed for losing what is our right!"
The third speaker was Lyndsay Tooley, speaking on behalf of the Accommodation and Tourism Association. While Lyndsay did not address the self-government issue, he did speak of the fairness and equity issues we need to address in order to assist the stakeholders in the Tourism sectors.
It is to be hoped that future meetings will see other community groups- such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Norfolk Business Group and the Public Service Association - have a say, and let us know their views and how the issues affect the memers of their respective groups. We badly need calm and reasonable communication and a frank exchange of ideas and concerns. Only then can we pull together to produce the best outcome for Norfolk Island.