Immigration Policy - Statement of Intent

A Statement of Intent in relation to immigration policy published inthe Norfolk Islander on Saturday 22/1 reflects in part matters required to be examined as part of the funding agreement entered into by the Norfolk Island Government and the Commonwealth.

Extract from the funding agreement;

"The Chief Executive Officer must report in writing to the Chief Minister by 21 March 2011 on the policy objectives of the current Norfolk Island Immigration regime; and provide interim reports in writing by the dates indicated on any issues associated with migration to Norfolk Island, particularly in respect of :

a) self-funded retirees, by 21 February, 2011
b) investors, by 7 March,2011; and
c) entrepreneurs, by 21 March, 2011

The statement of intent published, focuses on the first of the three matters where a specific reporting timeframe is defined. The more general existing policy objectives are due to be reported on by 21st March 2011
In conversations that I have been involved in, it seemed that the Commonwealth was seeking to discover why a specific Norfolk Island immigration regime was necessary at all. And, what was being achieved by a Norfolk regime that could not be achieved by the application of the general Australian regime; and if the continuation of the existing regime which inhibits the movement of Australian citizens, was desirable.
The Commonwealth has in the past expressed the view that matters currently being controlled by the NI immigration regime could more appropriately be controlled by planning laws, or perhaps a permit system within the Australian Immigration Act.
There is no doubt that Tourism on Norfolk Island would benefit from a borderless arrangement between Norfolk Island and Australia and consequent departure from the domestic terminals in Australia.
That's a discussion that needs to be had.
If it was determined that the NI Immigration regime was to be abandoned then the work being done on matters (a) (b) and (c) may be rendered redundant except perhaps as the basis some other form of regulating regime.

It is also curious that the SOI objective refers to a process to be followed to generate a report on new policies and then refers to a set of Recommendations (7.1) that effectively define what the new policies will be as is indicated in (7.2)
Finally, it would seem more appropriate to have the broader discussion about the future of Norfolk's role in immigration/border control than use the  limited resources of the Norfolk Island Administration tweaking an immigration process that may have a doubtful future.