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Norfolk Island ours as Qld strikes landmark deal

Queensland just got a little bit bigger after striking a deal to send services to Norfolk Island. Here’s what it means for the nation’s newest Queenslanders.

Ray Martin explores Norfolk Island

Critical health and education services on one of Australia’s most remote communities will be provided by Queensland through a landmark deal signed with the Federal Government.

Services on Norfolk Island, a volcanic outcrop 1440km east of Brisbane, will be provided by Queensland through an ongoing Heads of Agreement signed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

Under the agreement Queensland Health will operate the 24-bed Norfolk Island Hospital, which has a GP, emergency department aged care and dental services provided by 30 staff.

It has 30 full-time administrative, medical and domestic staff.

Teachers at the Norfolk Island Central School.
Teachers at the Norfolk Island Central School.

Education Queensland will operate the 300-student Norfolk Island Central School where a teaching staff of 20 provides schooling from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The Federal Government will fully fund costs associated with health and education services on the island and ensure no cost is borne by Queensland.

Mr McCormack said the deal was a “great outcome” for the remote community.

“It provides Norfolk Island with access to the extensive experience and capability of Queensland in delivering high quality state services in remote and island settings and builds on the strong connections between Norfolk Islanders and the people of Queensland through family, community, work and services,” he said.

The Courier-Mail first reported the Federal Government’s search for a new island partner in January following the looming withdrawal of New South Wales after six years.

Emily Bay Lagoon on Norfolk Island.
Emily Bay Lagoon on Norfolk Island.

Ms Palaszczuk said the agreement recognised Queensland’s ability to overcome distance challenges to deliver high-quality and essential services.

“We continue to demonstrate excellence in education, offering inclusive learning experiences for students at more than 600 state schools throughout rural and remote Queensland,” she said.

“Working with the Commonwealth, we look forward to tailoring these essential services to meet the unique needs of the Norfolk Island community, inspiring favourable outcomes for the more than 1700 people who call the island home.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state’s experience in decentralised services would benefit the island. Pic: Tara Croser.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state’s experience in decentralised services would benefit the island. Pic: Tara Croser.

Notably, the agreement also provides an opportunity for the Queensland government expand its service offering over time to provide Norfolk Islanders with services and support to similar mainland communities.

Island residents have previously raised concerns about the new agreement – demanding a voice in Queensland’s parliament.

Education Minister Grace Grace led a Queensland Government delegation in April to meet Norfolk Island locals and community leaders, who told her they want to be “closely engaged in the transition and ongoing delivery of those services”.

Tourism bosses say Norfolk Island will be another jewel in Queensland’s tourism crown.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/norfolk-island-ours-as-qld-strikes-landmark-deal/news-story/249579f288c35dfe1fe566db375ee41d