Summary
In response to recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report Quis custodiet ipsos Custodes?: Inquiry into Governance on Norfolk Island, the bill amends: the Norfolk Island Act 1979 in relation to: the voting system for the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly; when elections are held; the process for selecting a Chief Minister and Ministers; advice provided to the Administrator when assenting to bills; the role of the Governor-General and Minister responsible for Territories in processing legislation; and the implementation of a contemporary financial management framework; six Acts in relation to the review of administrative actions; 11 Acts to make consequential amendments; and the Christmas Island Act 1958 and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 to provide a vesting mechanism for powers and functions under Western Australian laws in these territories.