MEDIA STATEMENT: Norfolk Island Prosecutions

On 5 August 2017 the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions assumed responsibility for conducting prosecutions of offences against Norfolk Island laws, taking over from the Norfolk Island Regional Council. Amendments made by the Director of Public Prosecutions Amendment (Norfolk Island) Regulations 2017 to the Director of Public Prosecutions Regulations 1984, provides the CDPP with the appropriate powers to conduct prosecutions.

In March 2015 a package of reforms for Norfolk Island was agreed by the Australian Government. The changes aim to help deliver social equity and economic stability—this included the responsibility for conducting prosecutions of offences against Norfolk Island laws. This legislation was passed in Parliament on 14 May 2015 and from 1 July 2016 the Australian Government assumed responsibility for the delivery of state and federal services on Norfolk Island.

The CDPP recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development confirming it is now responsible for prosecuting all summary and indictable matters in Norfolk Island.

For further information contact communications@cdpp.gov.au.