The Australian and Queensland Governments have acknowledged the significant achievements made during the first year of service delivery to the Norfolk Island community under the partnership for state services.
Since 1 January 2022, the Queensland Government has been operating Norfolk Island Central School (NICS), and recently expanded its service delivery to facilitate new apprenticeships and traineeships for local residents and students, with training contracts already signed across a wide range of industries.
The Queensland's Metro North Hospital and Health Service has provided support and oversight to the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) and the Norfolk Island community.
Their rapid response played a key role in management of the Island's local COVID-19 outbreak, and they have improved access to high quality health care, through telehealth services and the provision of expert clinical and corporate governance advice.
Other achievements during this period include the Joint Commitment Statement for the preservation, promotion and revitalisation of Norf'k language and culture at Norfolk Island Central School, between the Council of Elders, Principal Russell Moore and the Parents and Citizens of the Norfolk Island Community, along with new pathways for local students to excel in sporting and extracurricular activities.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, thanked the Queensland Government and its agencies for their commitment to the Norfolk Island community and the excellent services they are delivering.
"Through our collaboration, we've improved the services available to Norfolk Islanders, and we remain focused on continuing to embed and enhance health and education services on the Island," Minister McBain said.
"We're working together to identify and negotiate additional services that Queensland may deliver in the future, and will engage with the community as we explore future opportunities."
Queensland Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Racing, the Hon Grace Grace MP, said the Queensland Government is looking forward to continuing to partner with the Australian Government to deliver services and opportunities tailored to the needs of the Norfolk Island community.
"Queensland has a record of delivering high quality, culturally appropriate state services in remote and island settings, and I'm proud that we are now successfully delivering those services to Norfolk Island," Minister Grace said.
"We will continue to use our knowledge and expertise to support the Norfolk Island community in 2023 and beyond."
