Terms of reference

The Joint Standing Committee will inquire into and report on equitable revenue sources to support the economic viability of the Norfolk Island Regional Council and the operation and governance of local government, with specific reference to:

1. alternative approaches to property-based taxation revenue collection ('land rates') that are appropriate and equitable for the Norfolk Island community;
2. whether the categorisation of the Norfolk Island Regional Council as a 'Rural Council', for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)(NI) results in an appropriate quantum of funding given the geographic remoteness and population density of Norfolk Island;
3. the impact of limiting access to state-partner grants on the financial sustainability of the Norfolk Island Regional Council;
4. the relationship between property-based taxation and the delivery of commensurate local government services;
5. the resilience and sustainability of current and alternative revenue approaches, noting the impact of COVID-19 on Norfolk Island's economy;
6. the current governance model that supports the Norfolk Island Regional Council under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)(NI);
7. alternative approaches to local government and local representation utilised across Australia;
8. whether alternative approaches sustainably achieve the key outcomes of local government;
9. whether alternative approaches equitably increase local representation and decision-making; and
10. whether alternative approaches would appropriately support the additional functions the Norfolk Island Regional Council provide on behalf of the Commonwealth.