History of Norfolk Island

It was discovered and named by the British Captain Cook in 1774. In 1788 it became part of the British Australian colony of New South Wales. In 1856, some Pitcairn Island residents (descendants of British sailors) settled here. In 1897 it became part of the British Australian colony of New South Wales. In 1913, the United Kingdom transferred sovereignty of the island to Australia. The chief executive appointed by the Australian Governor-General is responsible for management and is directly responsible to the Australian Federal Minister of Regional Services, Territory and Local Government Affairs. The elected Norfolk Island Council was established in 1960 as an advisory body to the executive. The "Norfolk Island Act 1979" further clarified the relationship between Australia and Norfolk Island, and Norfolk Island has legislative and executive powers.

In 1774, the British Captain James Cook discovered this uninhabited island. The island was rich in flax (Phormium tenax), and there were also a lot of local pine trees that could be used to make ship masts. With great development potential, he named the island after the Duke of Norfolk. In 1788, the Australian colonial government of New South Wales claimed sovereignty over the island, making Norfolk Island the second British possession in the Pacific. Only a few people lived here at this time, including 15 prisoners. After serving as a penal colony for British convicts for 26 years, the island's residents and prisoners were evacuated in 1814. The maximum number of prisoners and free residents was 1,100. Most of the island's population moved to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania).

From 1825 to 1855, Norfolk Island once again became a penal colony, housing the most serious criminals from various British prison places in Australia. Norfolk Island became known for its ruthless punishments. Thereafter, all convicts were again evacuated from Norfolk Island and returned to Tasmania, this being done both because of the difficulties of managing prisoners and of supervising managers. In 1856, Pitcairn Islanders (descendants of the mutinous crew of the Bounty) immigrated to Norfolk Island. But not all immigrants enjoyed life on Norfolk Island, and a few returned to Pitcairn Island in two groups. On June 24, 1856, Norfolk Island became a "unique colony" for the first time, different from mainland colonies. Islanders quickly established their own land tenure system and general social institutions. In 1897, the British government authorized the Governor of New South Wales to administer Norfolk Island, although the island remained a separate British colony.

In 1913, according to the Norfolk Island Act (effective in 1914), Norfolk Island became an Australian territory, but its clear constitutional relationship with Australia has never been completely unanimous. . During World War II, an airport was built on the island to connect it with the outside world. In 1975, a Royal Commission was tasked with establishing the status of Norfolk Island. The current administrative system was established in 1979. The population is approximately 1,900 (1992).