Territories publications

General publications
Australian Capital Territory
Indian Ocean Territories
Norfolk Island

General publications

Administrative arrangements for Australia's territories

This table documents the evolution of the Australian Government's responsibilities for administering the Territories of Australia, from 1906 to the present day DOCX: 37 KB PDF: 601 KB

A Federation in These Seas: An account of the acquisition by Australia of its external territories by Alan Kerr

A Federation in These Seas: An account of the acquisition by Australia of its external territories, by Alan Kerr—Part 1 PDF: 5803 KB
A Federation in These Seas: An account of the acquisition by Australia of its external territories, by Alan Kerr—Part 2 PDF: 5771 KB
A Federation in These Seas: An account of the acquisition by Australia of its external territories, by Alan Kerr—Part 3 PDF: 5562 KB

Australian Capital Territory

ACT cross border water resources

Memorandum of Understanding between the ACT, NSW and the Commonwealth of Australia on ACT and NSW Cross Border Water Resources 2006 (as amended and taking effect on 17 August 2006) PDF: 943 KB , and
Summary of Legislative Responsibilities—Cross Border Water Supply between the ACT and NSW PDF: 940 KB , (Schedule A to the above MOU)

Indian Ocean Territories

Indian Ocean Territories Health Service Community Advisory Committee Request for Expressions of Interest January 2021 PDF: 1022 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Price Index 2019 PDF: 4733 KB
Exposure Draft: Christmas island Applied Laws Amendment (Fish Resource Management) Ordinance 2020 PDF: 421 KB
Exposure Draft: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Applied Laws Amendment (Fish Resource Management) Ordinance 2020 PDF: 447 KB
- Exemptions for passionfruit coral trout PDF: 12 KB
- Exemptions for Cocos Malay culture PDF: 11 KB
- Exemptions for selling recreational fish PDF: 11 KB
The Christmas Island Mine-site to Forest Rehabilitation (CIMFR) program conducts ecological restoration works on identified phosphate minefields relinquished by the mining company, Phosphate Resources Limited (PRL) on Christmas Island. In October 2019, the Department engaged Ernest and Young (EY) to undertake a review of the CIMFR program. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the CIMFR program in its current state, and to provide recommended changes to improve the outcomes of the program. The final report is now available PDF: 8117 KB
Service Delivery Arrangements (SDA) Annual Report Indian Ocean Territories 2018–19 (September 2020) PDF: 799 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Health Services Strategic Plan 2020 to 2025 PDF: 2988 KB
Report on Public Consulations on ferry services on Cocos (Keeling) Islands December 2019 PDF: 748 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Health Service Community Advisory Committee
- Indian Ocean Territories Health Service Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference March 2020 to December 2021 PDF: 388 KB
- Indian Ocean Territories Health Service Community Advisory Committee Request for Expressions of Interest January 2020 PDF: 505 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Health Service (IOTHS) Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) Policy November 2019 PDF: 864 KB
Report on Public Consultations Pricewaterhouse Coopers’ Final Report: Indian Ocean Territories Health Service (March 2019) November 2019 PDF: 374 KB
Terms of Reference – Review of Tourism in the Indian Ocean Territories, August 2019 PDF: 631 KB
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Ferry Services Review Terms of Reference August 2019 PDF: 289 KB
Infographic of the Indian Ocean Territories 2018-19 (July 2019) PDF: 1191 KB
Department Submission—Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry’s First Interim Report (April 2019) DOCX: 272 KB PDF: 347 KB
Our Cocos (Keeling) Islands – 2030 Strategic Plan (March 2019) produced by the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (RDO) PDF: 2561 KB
Department Submission – Review of Local Government Act 1995 (WA) (March 2019)
- Cover letter DOCX: 85 KB PDF: 48 KB
- Submission DOCX: 81 KB PDF: 225 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Health Service—5 Year Strategy (March 2019) PDF: 2758 KB
- IOTHS Five Year Strategy – Executive Summary (Chinese) DOCX: 100 KB PDF: 829 KB
- IOTHS Five Year Strategy – Executive Summary (Malay) DOCX: 284 KB PDF: 566 KB
Marine Debris Project Report (January 2019) DOCX: 1015 KB PDF: 1113 KB
Service Delivery Arrangements (SDA) Annual Report Indian Ocean Territories 2017-18 (January 2019) DOCX: 828 KB PDF: 433 KB
Infographic of the Indian Ocean Territories 2017-18 (December 2018) PDF: 3220 KB
Community Consultation Report: The potential for the establishment of a Casino on Christmas Island (December 2018)
- English PDF: 2047 KB
- Malay PDF: 2437 KB
- Chinese PDF: 2667 KB
Our Christmas Island – 2030 Strategic Plan (November 2018) produced by the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (RDO) (low resolution) PDF: 3816 KB
Service Delivery Arrangements (SDA) Annual Report Indian Ocean Territories 2016-17 (June 2018) DOCX: 1429 KB PDF: 1885 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Budget Overview 2017-18 PDF: 256 KB (May 2018)
Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report: The strategic importance of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories (May 2018)
Christmas Island Rockfall Risk Management Plan (March 2018) PDF: 20417 KB
Christmas Island Emergency Management Plan (March 2018) PDF: 13315 KB
Christmas Island Disaster Recovery Plan (March 2018) PDF: 11402 KB
Flying Fish Cove Crane and Mooring Replacement – 30% Concept Design Report (November 2017) PDF: 1893 KB
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Sand Management Strategy—Numerical Modelling Report (February 2017) PDF: 4308 KB
Review of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Ferry Services Contract (February 2017)

A review of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Ferry Services Contract and services to determine if obligations and requirements under the contract were being met. The report also assessed the extent to which the contract was meeting the needs of the Department and included recommendations for improvement. The findings assisted contract extension decisions and several recommendations were implemented as part of the ongoing contract management activities.
Service Delivery Arrangements (SDA) Annual Report Indian Ocean Territories 2015–16 PDF: 456 KB
Structural Assessment of Christmas Island Skate Park (March 2015) PDF: 2045 KB
Review of Aged Care in the Indian Ocean Territories (February 2015) PDF: 1282 KB
Coastal Management Plan, Cocos Keeling Islands PDF: 13739 KB
Research Project: Encouraging sustainable economic development and diversification on Christmas Island PDF: 377 KB
Christmas Island Groundwater Project Fact Sheet PDF: 1918 KB
Australian Government Response to the reports into Governance in the Indian Ocean Territories Interim Report: Economic Development and Final Report: Economic Development and Governance PDF: 249 KB
Service Delivery Arrangements (SDA) Annual Report Indian Ocean Territories 2014–15 PDF: 1304 KB
The Social and Economic Impacts of the Immigration Detention Centre on the Christmas Island Community PDF: 3378 KB
Christmas Island Fruit Fly and Scale Survey—June 2012
Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Accommodation Needs Assessment 2011—Part 1 PDF: 3717 KB
Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Accommodation Needs Assessment 2011—Part 2 PDF: 4453 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Price Index—October 2012
Christmas Island Destination Development Report PDF: 973 KB , (April 2008 Planning for people)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Quarantine Station Outline Development Plan PDF: 6688 KB , (GHD consultants contracted by AGD)
Christmas Island Light Industrial Land Outline Development Plan PDF: 6016 KB , (GHD consultants contracted by AGD)
Australian Government Response to the report on inquiry into the changing economic environment in the Indian Ocean Territories PDF: 200 KB , October 2011
Indian Ocean Territories Climate Change Risk Assessment 2010—Complete PDF: 9303 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Climate Change Risk Assessment 2010—Part 1 DOC: 9463 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Climate Change Risk Assessment 2010—Part 2 DOC: 5796 KB
Report for Crown Land Management Plan for the Indian Ocean Territories and Christmas Island PDF: 8163 KB , September 2009
Indian Ocean Territories Heritage Inventory (January 2009) PDF: 6182 KB
Indian Ocean Territories Climate Change Risk Assessment 2008 PDF: 3354 KB
Australian Government Response to the Report on Current and Future Governance Arrangements in the Indian Ocean Territories (June 2007) PDF: 43 KB

Norfolk Island

Proposal for Improving Ruminant Livestock Performance on Norfolk Island, April 2019

The Proposal for Improving Livestock Performance on Norfolk Island represents outcomes from a study of ways to improve artificial insemination and embryo transfer for ruminant livestock. Cattle, goats and sheep are the focus of this study. A working group consisting of industry and community representatives and the Department will come together to progress the proposal’s recommendations.

Proposal PDF: 4166 KB

The Centre for International Economics—KAVHA Economic Feasibility Study, October 2017

The Australian Government commissioned a study to identify the economic needs and potential of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), and obtain an objective evidence base to help inform future decisions regarding governance reform, infrastructure investment and funding applications. The study uses economic modelling to quantify the significance of KAVHA's current contribution to the Norfolk Island economy, and estimates its potential future contribution. Improvements to the current funding and governance arrangements are discussed.

Report PDF: 1737 KB

Performance review Norfolk Island Gaming Authority, 30 June 2016

Report PDF: 867 KB

The objective of this review was to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority's internal control framework (including the legislative framework, management, operations and governance arrangements) in managing its key strategic and operational risks.

Norfolk Island Gaming Authority Review of Operational Structures and Associated Costs to License and Regulate Gaming and Wagering Operations

Report PDF: 515 KB

The Department engaged Centium to identify an appropriate operating model that would enable the Authority to fully perform its regulatory function in accordance with its legislated requirements, in addition to being able to accommodate enhanced regulatory requirements arising from the recent O'Farrell Review.

KPMG—Norfolk Island Health Service Plan, October 2015

Report PDF: 1553 KB

This report informs Australian Government with how health services on Norfolk Island can be effectively delivered. Specifically, this report provides the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development with:

a health service plan that provides a realistic and sustainable strategy for the development of health services on Norfolk Island;
advice on the most appropriate model for the local community and priority areas, such as aged care; and
recommendations, including an implementation plan.

Department of Agriculture—Norfolk Island Quarantine Survey 2012–2014

The Norfolk Island Quarantine Survey provides baseline data on which risk assessment is gathered to formulate options for future biosecurity arrangements ahead of extending Australia's border control arrangements for imports and exports.

Final report PDF: 3094 KB

GQI Consulting—Norfolk Island Mobile Network Review Project Report

This report reviews the condition and suitability of mobile telecommunications infrastructure on Norfolk Island and provides options for upgrading the network to meet modern requirements.

Final report PDF: 789 KB

WorleyParsons—Norfolk Island Roads Audit and Strategy, September 2015

The Australian Government commissioned WorleyParsons to undertake the Norfolk Island Roads Audit and Strategy.

The Norfolk Island Roads Audit and Strategy provides an audit of Norfolk Island's paved road system, assessing the condition of infrastructure and identifying priority improvements and redesigns to minimise road and pedestrian safety risks.

Final report PDF: 5298 KB

Deloitte Access Economics review of Norfolk Island's Government Business Enterprises, October 2015

This report is the final of three reviews about Norfolk Island's Government Business Enterprises (GBEs).

The report provides a framework which addresses some of the elements covered under the governance requirements for GBEs. It is not intended to prescribe the detailed application of the governance framework to individual GBEs, but rather identify at a business level the core governance principles.

Final report PDF: 923 KB
Summary review report PDF: 1951 KB

SGS Economics and Planning—Norfolk Island Economic Development Strategy, October 2015

The Economic Development Strategy for Norfolk Island outlines a proposed vision for the Island and principles for decision making. How the Island is currently positioned in the context of the vision is discussed within key theme areas. Actions to achieve the vision are also included.

Norfolk Island Economic Development Strategy report PDF: 2215 KB

Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories—Same country: different world—The future of Norfolk Island

Australian Government response, February 2015
Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report—Same county—different world: The future of Norfolk Island, October 2014

The Centre for International Economics—Economic Impact of Norfolk Island reform scenarios, November 2014

The Australian Government commissioned a report into the impact of economic reforms on the Norfolk Island economy.

The report, completed by the Centre for International Economics, was based on modelling of the Norfolk Island economy. The final report of the review quantifies the economic impact of changes to Norfolk Island's taxation, social security and minimum wages.

The Centre for International Economics—Economic Impact of Norfolk Island reform scenarios PDF: 880 KB

Deloitte Access Economics review of Norfolk Island's Government Business Enterprises, November 2014

With support from the Australian Government, Deloitte Access Economics reviewed the operations of Norfolk Island's Government Business Enterprises (GBEs). The aim of the review is to assist the Norfolk Island Government to assess the operational efficiency of 19 GBEs and to support future decision making around their structure and operations. It is critical for the Norfolk Island community and both Australian and Norfolk Island Governments to establish a higher level of transparency in the operations of these businesses.

Summary review report PDF: 2259 KB
Main review report PDF: 6118 KB

Other Norfolk Island publications

Norfolk Island Community Consultations on the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report, December 2014
Review of existing child and family support services on Norfolk Island, September 2012
Financial Statements—Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island Economic Development Report, March 2012 PDF: 690 KB
Report into the Norfolk Island Public Service Review, November 2011 PDF: 691 KB
Report of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories.
- Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Inquiry into Governance on Norfolk Island, (the Nimmo Report), December 2003 PDF: 1019 KB
Report of the Royal Commission into Matters Relating to Norfolk Island, October 1976 DOC: 1638 KB
Acumen Alliance Financial Advisory report to DOTARS on the Norfolk Island Government, November 2005 DOC: 767 KB