Indian Ocean Territories Report Welcomed

The Federal Member responsible for the Indian Ocean Territories Warren Snowdon has welcomed the tabling in Federal Parliament of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report on Current and Future Governance Arrangements in the Indian Ocean Territories.

'The report highlights the Howard Government's failure to communicate effectively with the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Fortunately the reports recommendations will address the failure,' Mr Snowdon said.

'There has been great interest amongst the Islanders on the issue of governance. This was made evident by the quality of discussion that members of the community had with the committee when it visited the sslands for the public hearings in January this year,' Mr Snowdon said.

'The islands want a more informed and cooperative dialogue with the Commonwealth and more input into service delivery regardless of whom ultimately delivers the service,' Mr Snowdon said.

The report has 13 recommendations in three major categories.

The first category deals with Accountability and transparency in decision making, and the link between governance and economic stability.

The second category of recommendations deals with Applied WA law and community services.

The third category of recommendations deals with Governance of the Indian Ocean Territories.

'The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has a responsibility to ensure that the recommendations are acted upon,' Mr Snowdon said.

'The islanders, I believe, welcome the recommendations. They provide a basis to move forward by addressing the root causes of many islander frustrations,' Mr Snowdon said.

'The communities want to work with Commonwealth, the Department of Territories and Regional Services to achieve greater autonomy in a sustainable manner, but they want increasing opportunities to be involved in decision making and be responsible for the direction of affairs in the Indian Ocean Territories,' Mr Snowdon said.

2006-06-19