Historic Australian island to lose self-governing rights
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SydneyMay 12, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by
May 12, 2015 12:00 am
Norfolk Island, once a penal colony for Pacific convicts, is expected to lose its self-governing rights to the Australian central government Tuesday in what an island official called a "travesty of justice."
The tiny picturesque island has become run down and its 1,800 residents lack proper health care, Territories Minister Jamie Briggs told parliament as he presented legislation on the issue.
Under a new administrative structure that has cross-party support, the islanders will be stripped of their local parliament and powers handed to Canberra.
Residents will have to pay Australian taxes, and in return, Australia will provide welfare, health care and build up the failing infrastructure.
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