New Powers For Norfolk Soon
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
Federal Parliament has made amendments to the Norfolk Island Act which open the way for the Norfolk Island Council to be recon stituted.
FURTHER legislation will establish a council of eight blectftd mem bers, plus the Administrator, able to give advice on all matters, including the preparation of the budget. The Administrator, as a council member, will be required to give reasons to the Minister if he disagrees with council decisions.
The moves follow the Island’s de cision not to take on the responsi bilities and functions of Local Government.
Norfolk people have consistently supported the council in its agitation for the changes and seem satisfied with the new powers. “Living stan
dards have never been higher,” a correspondent reports, and the tourist trade is booming.
Varzin Land Appeal: The
Australian High Court was expected in late November to hear an applica tion for leave to appeal in what has become known as the Varzin Land Case, Rabaul. The Varzin case has put into dispute the recognition of some New Guinea land titles, and great importance is attached to it.
If leave to appeal is granted it is un likely that the High Court will hear the matter before February.