Matter of public importance

Last Wednesday was an interesting day in the House - that is, the Norfolk Island Parliament.  The Chief Minister David Buffett made an announcement that spells a new chapter for Norfolk.  The local government will now support the passage of the Territories Law Reform Bill in the Federal Parliament and Norfolk will participate in the mainland tax and social security systems.  Participation in federal funding, grants and programs will become 'as of right'.  This move by both governments will ensure that Norfolk Islanders will have a long term future, one where everyone will be treated equally, with other Australian citizens.  The TLR Bill doesn't remove self government, it reinforces our ability to determine our own management but we must lift our game and do better, and we can.  There is much work to be done in sorting out the details and then the finer details. Finance, taxation and economics - what fun!   Immigration, social welfare, land rates and seat belts are points of concern and I will attempt to address those, and others, as we move along.  Ministers will meet in Canberra on November 25 and there should be some detail to report on December 1.