Students, teachers and parents on Norfolk Island say they are being left out in the cold by the federal government. 

The Federal Government has failed to announce a service provider for Norfolk Island Central School for 2022, and according to locals, the issue is now at a critical stage. 

Norfolk Island representatives flew to Canberra to meet with the Government this week, but despite repeated attempts to arrange a meeting with Assistant Minister for Territories Nola Marino since 12 May, the delegation was told that the minister “will not be taking any further meetings this week”.

NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos says the “deliberate snub” is an insult to the community. 

“The provision of education on Norfolk is at crisis point and the Assistant Minister couldn’t even find 15 minutes to meet despite the request for a meeting over three weeks ago,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

Norfolk Island representative Susie Hale said the uncertainty around the ongoing provision of education has been weighing on the community for two years.

“While it remains unresolved, students are suffering; teachers are stressed; and parents and the community remain out in the cold without an answer as to who will provide education on Norfolk Island in the immediate future,” she said.

While in Canberra, Mr Gavrielatos and Ms Hale were able to confirm meetings with Labor Shadow Minister for Territories Jason Clare, and Greens spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters, and Member responsible for Norfolk Island David Smith.

“We are talking about continuity of public education for the children of Norfolk Island. This needs to be sorted out now,” Mr Gavrielatos said. 

“The disregard for the needs of Norfolk Island’s children and community must stop.”

Members of Federation at Norfolk Island Central School have resolved to take further action should the situation not be resolved as a matter of urgency.