Cocos (Keeling) Islands Local Government (Population Estimate) Order 2025

Overview

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Local Government (Population Estimate) Order 2025 was enacted to provide an updated population estimate for the district of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, as required under section 2.16B of the Local Government Act 1995 (WA), as it applies in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands under the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 (Cth). This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for accurate and current population data to ensure proper representation and resource allocation for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire. Authorised by Kristy McBain, the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the order sets the estimated population of the district at 631, which will be used for electoral purposes starting from the next ordinary election day following the commencement of this order. The primary objective of this order is to facilitate the administration of local government elections and related activities by providing a definitive population figure for the district.

Scope and Application

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Local Government (Population Estimate) Order 2025 applies specifically to the district of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and is made under the authority of the Local Government Act 1995 (WA) as in force in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands pursuant to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 (Cth). This instrument is intended to provide a specific population estimate for the district, which is set at 631 as per the order. The population figure established by this order is to be considered the official population for the district for the purposes of certain sections of the Act, namely sections 2.17 and 2.17A, and this estimation takes effect from the next ordinary election day for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire following the commencement of this order. This legislative instrument ensures that the district's population is accurately reflected for electoral and administrative purposes within the specified legal framework.

Key Provisions

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Local Government (Population Estimate) Order 2025 establishes a specific population estimate for the district of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, setting the estimated population at 631 (Section 5(1)). This estimated number is designated to serve as the district's population for certain statutory purposes under the Local Government Act 1995 (WA) as it applies in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands under the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 (Cth). This estimate takes effect from the next ordinary election day following the commencement of this Order (Section 5(2)-(3)). The Order imposes a clear requirement on the local government authorities to use this estimated population figure for specified sections of the Act, namely sections 2.17 and 2.17A (Section 5(2)). This requirement ensures consistency and accuracy in the application of the population figures in these legislative contexts. Additionally, the Order mandates that the specified population estimate be applied prospectively from the next ordinary election day for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire, thereby providing a clear timeline for the implementation of this estimate (Section 5(3)). The Order does not explicitly outline offences or penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. However, failure to adhere to the specified population estimate could potentially lead to legal challenges or disputes regarding the accuracy and application of population figures in local governance matters. The implications of such non-compliance could include administrative challenges or legal scrutiny in the application of related legislative provisions. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Local Government (Population Estimate) Order 2025 is a regulatory instrument designed to ensure that the population estimate of 631 is accurately applied to the district for the purposes of local government legislation. By clearly defining the population estimate and its effective date, the Order aims to provide clarity and consistency in the application of population figures within the statutory framework of the Local Government Act 1995 (WA).