FOR CHELSEA......
...who has turned 18, and now she is old enough to vote, wants to know what are the real issues we are dealing with and how they will affect her and her homeland.

Dear Chelsea
First of all, congratulations on having a family who sit and talk things out at the dinner table! That is special nowadays.
I applaud you for having the interest and courage to ask the questions. It is, after all, your future. Some of us have reached the stage where we would not be seriously affected by changes one way or another, but we are very conscious of wanting to pass on a good future for you and your children.
I am afraid I cannot claim a lack of bias. You could call it attachment, engagement, commitment – but I cannot help how I feel.
I am not sure about facts either – what is a fact for one is different for another. The facts in the eyes of Australia may represent something quite removed from what we see as reality here on Norfolk Island.
The best I can do is pose some questions for you to consider.
If you ask what the issues are, you will get a different answer from everyone.
For many it is simply a case of:”Do we want/need/have a right to self-government or not?”
For me the issues are more complex, and they all overlap and impact on each other, but fall into these general areas:

The traditional and historic rights of the people of Norfolk Island They began as an independent self-governing people, and have never voluntarily surrendered the right to manage their own affairs. Is this still important, or should we “move on”?

Democratic rights today. Should the community have a say through referendum about what they want to happen? Should there be more consultation with our government and community?

The identity and cultural issues. I mean culture in its broadest sense of the special ways in which people express themselves, relate to their environment, interact with one other. Will the process of becoming more like other Australian communities dilute the things that are special to Norfolk? Will government welfare weaken the Norfolk spirit of self-reliance, resourcefulness and caring for one another? Will an increased regulatory environment damage our simple and relaxed way of life, or restrict our spirit of enterprise? Will Immigration changes affect the character and culture of the Island?

The practical and economic issues. Will taxation and along with it increased red tape and paperwork make it more difficult and expensive for business here? What effect will it have on employment, on the variety of goods and services available? How will it affect our tourist industry? Will it affect the ability or willingness of young people and families to stay here?

Can or will the Commonwealth guarantee we will be better off than before? Will this only apply to a few individuals or the island as a whole? Can we be better governed and provided for by Canberra, or is a small locally elected government better able to meet our needs? Should we look at Australia’s record in meeting the expressed needs of other external territories and remote communities? Does the Australian medical system, for instance, have more to offer than our own?

Is the Commonwealth acting in our best interests or is it more about Australia’s national interest? They say they wish to promote equity for all Australian citizens, and feel a responsibility for the economic prosperity and stability in the nearby Pacific area. Norfolk Island is strategically important to Australia, they already own the rights to all seas within 200 nautical miles of Norfolk. They own the fishing rights to this area and also the rights to the oil and gas in the area when the technology is developed to exploit this. Does this matter?

Can we pick and choose, and have the best of what we now enjoy, and the best of what Australia offers? Is compromise and a special deal possible for Norfolk Island, or will it be the ‘thin end of the wedge’ to being totally integrated into the Australian political and economic system?

Can we afford self-government? Is our government able to meet the needs of the people and the island? Are Norfolk people willing to pay more? Is the Australian government placing restrictions on our potential revenue-raising? Should we seek subsidies and grants from Australia? Is the model of government in the Norfolk Island Act too complex to run efficiently? Is our Public Service too big?

There are a lot of things to be weighed up according to what is important to you. For me, it comes down to “Will we lose more than we will gain?” and how it will impact not just on our material well-being, but on heritage, identity, social cohesion, values, or our simple joy in being different and living in the best place in the world..
I think you know how I feel personally, Chelsea. If you make up your mind, and feel passionate about it, that is great. But remember too there are people with a great diversity of views about all this who still have a strong commitment to the island, contribute to the community, and value Norfolk’s culture and heritage. If we let it become bitter and divisive, if fail to listen to each other, if we stop respecting, loving and caring for one another, we will have lost the battle to protect what is so good about this island anyway!
Best wishes
Mary