Trevor Evans (Brisbane, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all of the members who've participated in the debate on the Norfolk Island Amendment (Supreme Court) Bill 2020. This bill makes technical amendments to provisions of the Norfolk Island Act of 1979 dealing with the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.

Amendments made to the act in 2018 authorised the Supreme Court to sit in a state or territory other than Norfolk Island in the exercise of its civil and criminal jurisdictions. These amendments allow for a matter to be heard and a jury to be empanelled in another state or territory. The measures were modelled on similar amendments made for Christmas Island in 1987. The amendments in the bill address some technical issues regarding the regulation of off-island sittings of the Supreme Court. These amendments also clarify the basis upon which travelling allowances are determined for its judges. These amendments will enhance the effective administration of the Norfolk Island justice system, and I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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