Government
Norfolk Island is a self governing external territory of Australia. This status was given by the Norfolk Island Act 1979, that was presented to the Australian parliament by the Hon. Bob Ellicott, a minister in the Fraser Government. The legal system is based on Australian law, local ordinances and acts. Suffrage is for Australian citizens of at least 18 years of age.
The Executive Branch of government comprises an Administrator appointed by the Governor General of Australia who represents the Monarch and Australia. There is an Executive Council chosen by the elected members who develop government policy.
The Legislative Branch comprises a Unicameral Legislative Assembly of nine members, elected by voters who have nine equal votes each, but a maximum of four votes only to any one candidate. Members serve a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years.
Government-related information is available through the web at www.info.gov.nf.
The capital is Kingston.
The Norfolk Island flag
Public Services
Health care is provided through the Norfolk Island Hospital. Medicare does not apply. There are resident doctors, and a physiotherapist and dentist.
Education provides for K-12 schooling for approx 300 students using the NSW Curriculum.
Ease of immigration – Easy for Australian and NZ citizens. Self funded retirees and new business immigrants are very welcome.
Communications
There is one TV station, and digital transmitters for ABC, SBS, Imparja and Southern Cross TV. The island has its own .nf Internet domain. Over 90% of the population have Internet access.
Transport
Norfolk has an international airport (passport required), and there are jetties for shipping at Cascade and Kingston. There are sixty kilometres of paved roads, and local cows have right of way.
Geography
Norfolk Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, 1,412 kilometres east of Evans Head in Australia. Its geographic coordinates are 29 02S, 167 57E.
Travel times are two hours by air from Australia, 1.5 hours from New Zealand.
Climate is sub-tropical.
Land area is 34.6 square kilometres, and the terrain is volcanic. There is 32 kilometres of coastline that is mostly inaccessible cliff.
The highest point is Mt Bates at 319 metres.
People
According to the 2011 Census, the population is 1,795 (951 Female, 844 Male). Sixteen percent are 14 years or younger, 54% 15 to 64 years, and 24% more than 65 years.
Languages are English, and Norf’k (the local language spoken by descendants of the Mutiny on the Bounty). About 40% of the population are descendants. There are 20 nationalities living here.
Economy
Tourism is the primary economic activity. Visitors mainly arrive from New Zealand and Australia.
There were over 23,000 visitors in 2012-13.
Currency is the Australian Dollar.
Ease of buying a home – Easy. Starting house/land prices is AUD280,000.