Overview

The Norfolk Island Census and Statistics Regulations 2011 were enacted to provide the necessary regulatory framework for the conduct of the census and statistical activities on Norfolk Island, ensuring that these activities align with the requirements set out in the Census and Statistics Act 1961. These regulations were made by the Administrator of Norfolk Island, Owen Edward John Walsh, in accordance with the advice of the Executive Council of Norfolk Island, and they came into effect on 22 July 2011, the date of their notification in the Gazette. By prescribing the year 2011 for the purposes of the census under section 6 of the Act, these regulations address the need for up-to-date demographic and statistical data on Norfolk Island. Furthermore, they repeal all previous regulations made under the Act, ensuring that the most recent legal framework governs the collection and management of census and statistical information on the island.

Scope and Application

The Norfolk Island Census and Statistics Regulations 2011 apply to all individuals and entities residing on Norfolk Island and pertain to the taking of the census in the year 2011 as prescribed under section 6 of the Census and Statistics Act 1961. These Regulations, made under the authority of the Administrator of Norfolk Island and in accordance with the advice of the Executive Council of Norfolk Island, are specifically designed to govern the conduct and administration of the census within the island’s jurisdiction. The application of these Regulations is limited to Norfolk Island and its residents, and they override all previous Regulations made under the Act. This ensures a cohesive and up-to-date framework for census activities, effectively streamlining the process for the island's statistical and census-related activities.

Key Provisions

The Norfolk Island Census and Statistics Regulations 2011 (hereafter referred to as the "Regulations") are designed to implement the provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1961 (Cth) in relation to Norfolk Island. Section 3 of the Regulations specifies that the census will be conducted in the year 2011, as required by section 6 of the Census and Statistics Act 1961. Section 1 provides the Regulations with their short title, while Section 2 establishes that they will take effect on the day they are notified in the Gazette, which was 22 July 2011. Section 4 repeals all previous Regulations made under the Act, ensuring that the 2011 Regulations are the current governing framework. The Regulations impose several obligations on parties and entities involved in the census process on Norfolk Island. They mandate the taking of the census in the prescribed year, 2011, as per section 3. This obligation is integral to the collection of comprehensive and timely demographic data, which is essential for informed decision-making and resource allocation by the Norfolk Island Government. By specifying the year for the census, the Regulations ensure that there is a clear and consistent timeline for the collection of such vital statistics. Failure to comply with the obligations outlined in the Regulations can result in various consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Regulations themselves, breaches of the Census and Statistics Act 1961 could lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Under the Act, individuals or entities that fail to comply with census requirements can face fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. These potential consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the Regulations and fulfilling the mandated census obligations. The precise penalties and enforcement mechanisms would be detailed in the primary Act and related legislative instruments, which should be consulted for comprehensive understanding.