The Government

The People hold the highest constitutional authority. Their will is expressed through the General Assembly, which approves all major and constitutional decision

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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