Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Norfolk Island is located in the southern Pacific Ocean, defined by jagged cliffs, a beautiful national park and World Heritage sites. In 1788 the tenant Philip King went ashore and took possession of the island, and many residents, as honourable members might know, are descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers who resettled from the Pitcairn islands and Tahiti. This sixth of March just gone is the anniversary of its foundation. It reminds us to look back on the unique history of the island and to look forward.

In 2016 an historic change occurred whereby residents of the islands were required to pay taxes, and governance arrangements changed. In return they would be entitled to security payments, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The decision was met with a mixed reception. Some residents fiercely desired to maintain their independence, fearing a colonial style of rule. In 2021, the Queensland government established the Norfolk Island state services partnership, providing support for education and health services, but I know, through my friend the member for Bean, that challenges remain. I am looking forward very much to visiting Norfolk Island with my friend the member for Canberra and the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, to continue to engage in good working relations with Norfolk Island.