Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories

Committee activities (inquiries and reports)

Review of the Annual Reports of the Department of Transport and Regional Services 2000-01 and the Department of the Environment and Heritage 2000-01 (Australia's external territories)

Introduction and Terms of Reference

On 21 March 2002 the Committee resolved that, in respect of its review of the Annual Reports of the Department of Transport and Regional Services 2000-01 and the Department of the Environment and Heritage 2000-01, which stand referred to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories by the House of Representatives, it annually monitor the External Territories in order to review the development of services and the implementation of programs to a standard commensurate with equivalent mainland communities. In particular, the review should consider:

Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands:

Justice and community safety;

Education;

Environment and heritage;

Health and community care;

Transport, housing, land management and other urban services;

Economic development and tourism;

Social and welfare services;

Utilities.

Norfolk Island:

Heritage protection and management of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) on Norfolk Island;

Land management and planning for Norfolk Island;

Land use and land transfer by the Commonwealth Government (resolution of the Committee, 26 June 2002); and

Legal aid contribution to Norfolk Island.

Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard and Macdonald Islands:

Enhancing Australia's influence in the Antarctic Treaty system;

Protecting the Antarctic environment;

• Understanding Antarctica's role in the global climate system;
• Conducting scientific research of practical, economic or national significance.