In looking for an appropriate simile to describe how many in the Norfolk Island community must be feeling after Minister Simon Crean's visit, the expression "like a shag on a rock" sprang to mind. On reflection, perhaps our expectations were too great and maybe we haven't learned enough from that venerable BBC documentary series, "Yes Minister".
It was disappointing not to have seen more come out of this visit, regardless of where you stand on the issues.
Minister Crean engaged in "meaningful dialogue" and made some "frank" observations about our situation. However, there was little comfort to be gained from his views on the "way forward" and there wasn't a "courageous" decision in sight. The Minister held court over a procession of groups and individuals alternatively trying to convince him of the rightness of diametrically opposed views and yet, to his credit, he was still smiling towards the end of these contacts, and quite broadly as he stepped onto the plane to fly back to Canberra.
From the subtext of many of his statements it is clear that he has formed the view that Norfolk Island Governments, past and present, have not always governed in the best interests of the people. It is less clear what he's proposing to do about it. Following the Chief Minister's statements acknowledging that Norfolk's inclusion in the Australian Taxation and Social Security system was necessary, most of us assumed that the Commonwealth would quickly confirm that this would happen, and the how and when would emerge through discussion from this point.
The assistance package from the Commonwealth gave weight to this expectation.
I have no doubt that the Norfolk Island community was expecting something definitive from the Minister; something to indicate that the Commonwealth would act decisively in the interests of the people of Norfolk; but it didn't happen. Mr Crean, by his presence, lit the fuse and stepped back but there was no bang just pffftttttttt.
The Chief Minister, in his inimitable way, spoke of a "road map" to describe the unfolding process. In reality this process is a dog's breakfast (actually, I take that back - my dogs' breakfast is balanced, timely and designed to ensure a healthy future for them).
Where Norfolk Island sits in the Australian polity has been discussed ad nauseum in the community and in the courts. Australia clearly has responsibilities it cannot ignore.
This community is now financially distressed and there are obvious social consequences associated with this. The Minister needs to act while the people are engaged in the process and while they still have the energy and enthusiasm to work with him to turn things around. For now, though, this resilient community will do its best to get on with life.
The real test for Minister Crean's visit, and the Chief Minister's road map, will be if they can knock the swimming carnival results off the front page of the paper. It'll be close and, just maybe, the Norfolk Island Government's Chief of Staff's new puppy, Isabella, will relegate them both to page 3.
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