Your Government
Understanding the structure, roles, and decision-making processes of the Government of Norfolk Island.
How we got here
The Government of Norfolk Island traces its constitutional foundations to the Pitcairn Constitution (1838) and Crown Recognition (1856), as reaffirmed by the Norfolk Island People in 2026.
The work of the Council of Elders, the Visions Assembly, and the For The People Norfolk Island initiative helped facilitate community engagement and participation, culminating in the election of 1 January 2026 and the establishment of the current Government.
Following the First General Assembly held on 30 May 2026, the Government is progressing constitutional modernisation, economic development, governance reform, and community consultation in accordance with the priorities identified by the community.
Structure of Government
The Government of Norfolk Island operates under a constitutional framework grounded in popular sovereignty, constitutional continuity, and direct democratic participation. Its structure reflects the authority of the Norfolk Island People and the institutions that exercise that authority.
1. The People of Norfolk Island - (Sovereign Authority)
The People hold the highest constitutional authority. Their will is expressed through the General Assembly, which approves all major and constitutional decision
2. General Assembly (Sovereign Decision Making Body)
The General Assembly is the primary constitutional institution of the Norfolk Island People. It decides all Category A (Constitutional) and Category B (Major Community) matters.
Functions include:
- Approving constitutional and major community decisions
- Issuing binding resolutions
- Providing direct democratic oversight of the Executive Government
3. The House (Executive Government)
The House is the executive decisionmaking body responsible for the daytoday governance of Norfolk Island.
It exercises authority over:
- Category C Executive & Operational Decisions
- Category D Routine Administrative Actions
The House must elevate any matter beyond its authority to the General Assembly.
4. Chief Magistrate
The Chief Magistrate is the community elected head of government whose authority flows from the People.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading the Executive Government
- Ensuring constitutional continuity
- Facilitating consensus among Councillors
- Representing the People in internal and external matters
5. Councillors
Councillors work collectively with the Chief Magistrate to exercise executive authority.
Their responsibilities include:
- Portfolio leadership
- Drafting proposals and instruments
- Assessing matters against the Stewardship Framework
- Elevating matters when required
- Ensuring transparent, accountable governance
6. Stewardship Framework
All decisions—whether by Officers, Councillors, The House, or the General Assembly—must be assessed against the Five Pillars of Sustainability:
- Environmental
- Social
- Economic
- Cultural
- Institutional Governance
This ensures decisions protect the wellbeing of current and future generations.
7. Decision Categories
All government matters fall into one of four categories:
- Category A – Constitutional Decisions
- Category B – Major Community Decisions
- Category C – Executive & Operational Decisions
- Category D – Routine Administrative Actions
This classification determines whether a matter is decided by The House or the General Assembly.
8. Dual Pathways of DecisionMaking
Government decisions follow one of two constitutional pathways:
Pathway A — Executive Path (The House)
- Applies to: Category C & D matters
- Steps: Officer → Councillor → The House → Publication
Pathway B — Constitutional Path (General Assembly)
- Applies to: Category A & B matters
- Steps: Officer → Councillor → The House (screening only) → General Assembly → Publication
Decision Categories
Category A
Constitutional Decisions
Category B
Major Community Decisions
Category C
Executive & Operational Decisions
Category D
Routine Administrative Actions