Norfolk Islanders have voted for the right to self-determination of the island in a non-binding consultation that took place today in the Australian dependency. According to data released by the government of Norfolk, 68.4% of voters said islanders should be consulted via an official referendum on the political future of the island.

Norfolk has a legislature and an autonomous government of its own since 1979. In March 2015, the Australian Parliament decided to strip Norfolk of its autonomy from July 2016 and to replace its institutions with a a local council with fewer powers.

THe government of Norfolk objected to the decision and announced that it would hold today's non-binding referendum so that islanders could say if the agreed with Canberra's decision or not.

According to Norfolk Chief Minister Lisle Snell, "the people of Norfolk Island today have clearly said that they want a say on the future model of governance for Norfolk Island, not just have a governance model imposed on them". Snell added that he will be meeting the Australian government and the opposition to ensure that the decision of the Norfolk people "is respected."

(Image: Norfolk landscape / photo: Thinboyfatter.)

Further information:

• Follow-up on Nationalia:Norfolk votes on its right to self-determination and Norfolk Island autonomy under threat