Commonwealth Government

From 1 July 2016, the Australian Government will integrate Norfolk Island with the mainland tax and social security systems, including access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The Australian Government will commence delivering essential national functions such as immigration, biosecurity and customs.

The Australian Government is also addressing the issues of sustainability that have arisen from the model of self-government requiring Norfolk Island to deliver local, state and federal functions since 1979.

The Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015 allows the Australian Government to assume responsibility for funding and delivering national and state level services and to establish an elected Norfolk Island Regional Council from 1 July 2016.