Could Australia Let Christmas Island Go?
Residents on the Australian territory of Christmas Island say they want a greater say in managing their own affairs.
It has been under Australian rule since 1958, but a joint parliamentary inquiry is examining whether Christmas Island should be given a greater say in its own affairs.
More than 500km from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, Christmas Island covers a lot of ground for a small island.
It is in the Northern Territory federal electorate of Lingiari.
Don’t keep us in the dark: Christmas Island locals
Christmas Island locals say they are becoming increasingly concerned about the island’s detention centre, which now also houses foreign criminals awaiting deportation, and the lack of accountability from the federal government.
But its laws and most of the services come from Western Australia under an agreement with the Commonwealth.
Yet it is Canberra, in particular the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, that makes the majority of the decisions on the island.
To cap it off, the majority of the residents are from China or have a Chinese background, the rest are Malay and Australians are in the minority.
Shire president Gordon Thomson said the island has a “democracy deficit”.
“Everybody would put forward the view, I think, that the Commonwealth runs the place for its own interests,” he said.
“Whether that's a reasonable view or not, that's the perception.
SBS
By Ryan Emery
18 DEC 2015 - 8:23 PM UP
Contributions required for the new 2014 Guide to Living on Cocos Islands.
Hi all, in an effort to assist new residents and visitors to understand life on Cocos Islands,
we are calling on everyone in the community and for those off island, to contribute towards this new guide.
Submissions can be anonymous, as it's only a self help guide to better understand the complexities of island life.
Think of it as a survival guide and tips to help understand the politics, social fabric, the unemployment dilemma, economic development, tourism and most importantly how to look on the bright side of life whilst on Cocos, because this is essential for survival.
So if you have a short story to tell from your own experience or someone else's experience whilst on Cocos, drop us a line or two.
Topics
- Politics (SDA's, Electorate, Dept of Regional Australia funding, Shire)
- Economic Development (what has worked, what has not and what is planned)
- Health and Wellbeing (past, current, future trends)
- Demographics (past, current, future trends)
- Tourism (past, current, future trends)
- Education (past, current, future trends)
- Culture (past, current, future trends)
- Sport and Recreation (past, current, future trends)
- Employment (past, current, future trends)
- Environment (past, current, future trends)
- History (a brief summary)
- Contact List of Organisations and sponsors for the publication.
Submissions can be made via email: cocoscommunity@gmail.com
Think of it as a survival guide and tips to help understand the politics, social fabric, the unemployment dilemma, economic development, tourism and most importantly how to look on the bright side of life whilst on Cocos, because this is essential for survival.
So if you have a short story to tell from your own experience or someone else's experience whilst on Cocos, drop us a line or two.
Topics
- Politics (SDA's, Electorate, Dept of Regional Australia funding, Shire)
- Economic Development (what has worked, what has not and what is planned)
- Health and Wellbeing (past, current, future trends)
- Demographics (past, current, future trends)
- Tourism (past, current, future trends)
- Education (past, current, future trends)
- Culture (past, current, future trends)
- Sport and Recreation (past, current, future trends)
- Employment (past, current, future trends)
- Environment (past, current, future trends)
- History (a brief summary)
- Contact List of Organisations and sponsors for the publication.
Submissions can be made via email: cocoscommunity@gmail.com
West Island. What's on this Week
Sunday 12 Jan 2014
A ferry and supermarket free day today, just like the good old days!
Check out our What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
Check out our What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
Monday 13 Jan 2014
What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island
Event: Hash House Harriers
Location/Time: Refer to chalk board. 4.30pm
Location/Time: Refer to chalk board. 4.30pm
Comments: All welcome to walk or jog and enjoy refreshments.
Tuesday 14 Jan 2014
Event: Public Library OPEN
Location/Time: Cocos District High School. 7pm to 9pm
Location/Time: Cocos District High School. 7pm to 9pm
Comments: All welcome to enjoy a wide range of books
What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island
AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island
Event: Virgin Flight
Est. arrival time: 12.50pm. Est. departure time: 1.35pm
Comments: Check in 11am to 12pm. Club Bar Opens from 12pm
Wednesday 15 Jan 2014
What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 6.00pm and 8.30pm to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 6.00pm and 8.30pm to Home Island
Event: Public Library OPEN
Location/Time: Cocos District High School. 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Location/Time: Cocos District High School. 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Comments: All welcome to enjoy a wide range of books
Event: Pool Comp
Location/Time:Cocos Club 6.30pm+
Comments:Names down by 6.30pm
Thursday 16 Jan 2014 What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
(A special Direction Island ferry departs WI at 7.30am and returns at 4.00pm)
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island Island
(A special Direction Island ferry departs WI at 7.30am and returns at 4.00pm)
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island Island
Location/Time: Golf Club 3.30pm
Comments: All Welcome
Friday 17 Jan 2014
What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island Island
AM Ferry departs 6.30am, 7.30am and 11.30am to Home Island
PM Ferry departs 3.00pm and 4.00pm to Home Island Island
Event: Virgin Flight
Est. arrival time: 12.50pm. Est. departure time: 1.35pm
Comments: Check in 11am to 12pm. Club Bar Opens from 12pm
Event: Skins Golf
Location/Time: Golf Club 3.30pm
Comments: Men only
Saturday 18 Jan 2014
What's on Today Guide for visitors and tourists.
AM Ferry departs 9.30am to Direction Island and Home Island
PM Ferry departs 1.30pm, 5.00pm (pending flight schedule)
AM Ferry departs 9.30am to Direction Island and Home Island
PM Ferry departs 1.30pm, 5.00pm (pending flight schedule)
Event: Virgin Flight
Est. arrival time: 3.20pm. Est. departure time: 4.05pm
Comments: Check in 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Club Bar Opens from 12pm
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