MP says ‘Leave Norfolk alone’

A Liberal MP, Mr John Haslem, told the Australian Parliament in May he felt Norfolk Islanders would be better off left outside the Australian political scene.

Mr Haslem said that Norfolk Islanders would become part of the electorate of Canberra, which he represented, if one recommendation of the Nimmo Royal Commission was adopted.

He could assure Norfolk Islanders that they could not have a better member if the recommendation went into effect. He would like to have the opportunity of occasionally visiting the island to represent the people there.

“That is the selfish side of things,” he said.

However, such a change could spoil something on Norfolk Island that was quite unique.

“/ would not like to be part of that”, he said.

“/ would feel that they would, perhaps, be better left outside the Australian scene.”