It was announced on 19 March 2015 that self-governance for the island would be revoked by the Commonwealth and replaced by a local council with the state of New South Wales providing services to the island. A reason given was that the island had never gained self-sufficiency and was being heavily subsidised by the Commonwealth, by $12.5 million in 2015 alone. It meant that residents would have to start paying Australian income tax, but they would also be covered by Australian welfare schemes such as Centrelink and Medicare. COUNT 5
QSN1 When did the Commonwealth of Australia announce that Norfolk Island would no longer be governed by itself? ANS1 19 March 2015 QSN2 What did the Commonwealth want to replace the Norfolk Island government with? ANS2 a local council QSN3 From what state did the proposed council come from? ANS3 New South Wales QSN4 What benefits would Norfolk Island residents receive as a result of the new council? ANS4 they would also be covered by Australian welfare schemes such as Centrelink and Medicare QSN5 What would Norfolk Island residents have to start paying as a result of the new council? ANS5 Australian income tax