Norfolk Island residents won’t get MP in Queensland Parliament

As Queensland takes over the delivery of health and education services on Norfolk Island, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed if they will have an MP in Queensland’s Parliament or not.

Norfolk Island residents will not be represented in the Queensland parliament after the Sunshine State signed off on a landmark agreement to provide health and education services to the island.

Quizzed about the new arrangements on Sunday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed they would not have a voice in the parliament in Brisbane.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Tara Croser.

“No, they’re not getting a Member of Parliament … because they are still administered by the federal government,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“But it’s nice to see we’re taking a little bit from NSW.

“First of all Norfolk Island – next Byron Bay. Only kidding Gladys (Berejiklian).”

Ms Palaszczuk said she believed there would be “great opportunities” for Queenslanders to visit the island.

Under the arrangements, Queensland will take over from NSW on the delivery of health and education services.

“We’ve worked very closely with the federal government in relation to these arrangements,” the Premier said.

Norfolk Island.

“Already, 40 per cent of the population utilise Queensland Health services.

“We also sent Minister Grace Grace over there with a small delegation just to check everything and it seems like the vast majority of people on Norfolk Island were very happy for Queensland to be involved.”

Norfolk Island residents have previously requested a voice in Queensland’s parliament and the chance to vote in elections when discussions were underway to transfer service delivery to the Sunshine State.