MEETING THE DEADLINE

The Federal Parliament has gone into recess for Christmas, but if you thought this meant a 'stay of execution' for Norfolk Island, you may well be wrong. Cabinet is to hold its final meetings for the year early this week, and this is the time that major policy decisions are made for the coming year.
It was this time last year that Minister Lloyd was given his instructions to "fix" the Norfolk Island problem over the next 12 months.
Will the Minister meet his deadline?
Has he succeeded with his rapid "whistle stop" journey armed with the TWO BROAD OPTIONS (in other words, choose the lesser of two evils)?

Has he managed to avoid being sidetracked by those of us trying to persude him that these "final solutions" for Norfolk Island are not only unnecessary, but harmful and unjust?

Has he actually heard us tell him that they have it all wrong, that not only do they not know the answers, they do not even ask the right questions?

It is hard to imagine that the Minister and his army of DOTARS advisors could not have been just a tiny bit moved by the intense sadness of those who fear they will be witnessing the loss of a very special and unique community and of values and a heritage they hold dear.
You cannot tell me that Canberra has not become aware of growing numbers of people on this island who, in spite of initially welcoming or accepting the Australian government's proposals in a spirit of goodwill, have become increasingly sceptical about the detail- or the lack of it - and the obvious self-interest behind it all.
It is difficult to believe that the input of our own elected government, constructive and positive proposals to implement beneficial changes to meet the island's real needs and satisfy mutual concerns, would have completely fallen on deaf ears.
Surely warning signals should have sounded when Australia began to see the unwanted effects of paternalism and bullying in the Solomons and Papua New Guinea. It is a sad reflection on a country like Australia if increasing arrogance and desire to spread the boundaries of its influence and its economic resources blinds that country to the fact that the "Australian way" may be the best for Australians but is not necessarily the best for its island neighbours.
There is no doubt that the Minister has faced increasing dilemmas, doubts, distractions and discomposure over the Norfolk Island issue.
But will political expediency win out anyway?

Will the Minister dutifully meet his deadline?

Or will he have the courage to say"Look, I think we may be have got it wrong. We need to go back to the drawing board"

Will we be allowed to enjoy a truly happy Christmas?