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Here on CD, a lot has been discussed about the future possibilities for the external territories of the US, Britain and France. However, what about the future of Australia's largely ignored external territories? What will be done with Cocos Islands, Christmas Island and Norfolk island? Any plans for the future? Any independence movements or movements for statehood? Discuss.
Norfolk Island is already semi-autonomous (separate immigration control, no Medicare, no tax, a form of passport required even for Australian citizens), although apparently late last year it was going to have to give up that status so Australia could bail it out. The other territories are too small, and too dependent on Australia economically to probably consider becoming autonomous. Norfolk Island is at least within reasonable flying distance of Sydney and Brisbane that they have built a decent economy on tourism, Christmas and Cocos are way out in the middle of nowhere.
What will Norfolk Island's status then be once it is able to be bailed out? Statehood? Or some other official category?
Secondly, are they not going to put illegal immigrants on a future detention center on Christmas Islands? Or something like that?
Third, so you are saying that the status of Christmas and Cocos Islands will remain the same? Why not some form of automony that still allows financial assistance? Is that on the table or are the islands just too small to care?
What will Norfolk Island's status then be once it is able to be bailed out? Statehood? Or some other official category?
- It will most possibly be treated the same as the Cocos and Christmas islands. Which politically are part of the Northern Territory. People on thoes islands vote in NT elections and for Northern territory senators/MP's during federal elections. Except Norfolk will most possibly become part of the Australian Capital territory.
Secondly, are they not going to put illegal immigrants on a future detention center on Christmas Islands? Or something like that?
- Most illegal boat people wanting to come to australia arrive at christmas island, naturally they have to house them their.
Third, so you are saying that the status of Christmas and Cocos Islands will remain the same? Why not some form of automony that still allows financial assistance? Is that on the table or are the islands just too small to care?
- As stated they are politically part of the Norhtern Territory, dont know about christmas island, but the Coco's population is around 700 people, hardley sufficient to warrant a seperate external territory/state or nation.
Edit:
Should add i saw an ABC documentary about the Coccos/Keeling islands a few weeks ago, hard to beleive this island where almost everyone speaks malay is part of Australia.
It looks like are really exciting off the beaten path sort of place I would love to visit. Has anyone being their?
Last edited by danielsa1775; 06-14-2011 at 09:19 PM..
What will Norfolk Island's status then be once it is able to be bailed out? Statehood? Or some other official category?
It won't have tax free status. Unlikely much else will change. Although without tax free status visa free travel for Australians should become possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lentzr
Secondly, are they not going to put illegal immigrants on a future detention center on Christmas Islands? Or something like that?
Do you mean more, because they already put them there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by lentzr
Third, so you are saying that the status of Christmas and Cocos Islands will remain the same? Why not some form of automony that still allows financial assistance? Is that on the table or are the islands just too small to care?
Why do they need autonomy? These are very small islands; Cocos Is has about 600 people, and Christmas Is about 1200. They also do not have an indigenous population. Norfolk Island, on the other hand, was resettled in the 19th century by Pitcairn Islanders (the mutineers of the Bounty) part of the deal was that they would be established as a seperate colony to NSW. It's because of that historical difference that Norfolk has semi-autonomy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by danielsa1775
As stated they are politically part of the Norhtern Territory, dont know about christmas island, but the Coco's population is around 700 people, hardley sufficient to warrant a seperate external territory/state or nation.
I'm not sure they are considered part of the NT. They are administered from Canberra, by the Attorney-General's department.
Danielsa - yes, please add the ABC documentary about Cocos Islands.
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