Extract Notes of Second Interview / Recording at VL2NI Radio Station Norfolk Island with Eric Hutchinson Norfolk Island Friday 26 November 2021

Eric Hutchinson:… There were three things I wanted to cover off today. ……

Finally, look it is with some regret, I suppose and trepidation I have chosen today also to share with the community some recent events that have occurred at the Old Military Barracks down town.

As the Administrator of Norfolk Island I am authorised by the Commonwealth Minister to deal with laws as they apply to the Crown Lands Act.

In recent weeks regrettably the locks to the buildings within the Old Military Barracks precinct were changed without any consultation with myself or the Departmental staff down in Kingston that are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of those buildings. Not least of all in the case of the Old Military Barracks the Court House – that is in need of renovation and that is part of the plan work there. When the Departmental officials went in they were unable to access the buildings in the way that they needed to.

So this week further actions have been taken by the Department to secure the buildings to ensure access for future works and also for the general safety and accessibility of staff in the Old Military Barrack site.

Can I just emphasise xxxxxxx that this has nothing to do with the current demonstration that exists within the Old Military Barracks, although there may well be some who would want to make it so.

That is not me, right

However, however, these recent events, and I don’t that fair minded people would consider it appropriate today. Six years ago, 10 years ago, 50 years ago, but people take it upon themselves to occupy and tamper with buildings that are public buildings and part of a world heritage site.

So these recent events will however require me to consider the current demonstration and whether it is right and reasonable for it to continue in its current location.

And I do xxxxx I do understand the sensitivities and I do understand the varied views that exist across this community. I have been here now four and half years I am well aware of the differences of opinion, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

As I say, it wont be me, you know, will try to stifle differences of opinion, but what I will do in this case here - I intend to keep the community informed about, what I think is, an unreasonable, unreasonable activity in that part of the island.

RADIO That is a bit of a shock

Eric Hutchinson: Look it is what it is xxxxxx. And, as I say it is unacceptable and I think most fair minded people would say that it is not appropriate for people, particularly without permission, without having sought approval to be tampering with what are world heritage listed buildings in a world heritage listed site that are the responsibility of, in this case, the Commonwealth to maintain and upkeep.

RADIO That is disappointing, as you say it is what it is and hopefully it can get sorted soon.