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FOR MEDIA MARCH 7, 1991
JOINT STATEMENT WITH THE MINISTER FOR THE ARTS, TOURISM AND
TERRITORIES, DAVID SIMLOIONS
A major step has, been taken by the people of the Cocos
( Keeling) Islands toward achieving full mainland standards and
conditions of living with the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding. The Memorandum cf Understanding was signed today by the Prime
Minister and representatives of Cocos ( Keeling) Community,
Haji Wahin bin EBynie QAM, Chairman of the Cocos ( Keeling)
Islands Council, and Parson bin Yapat OAM, Chairman of the
Cocos Co-operative Society Ltd.
The Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant stage in
the integration of the Cocos ( Keeling) Islands with Australia.
When the Cocos community voted for integration in 1984 in an
United Nations Act of Self Determination, the Government gave
a commitment thEat equivalent mainland standards of living
would be introduced for the Cocos Islanders within 10 years.
This Memorandum of Understanding now sets out the remaining
measures to be taken by each of the parties towards fulfilment
of that commitment. When fully implemented, the people of
Cocos will have the same rights, benefits and obligations as
mainland Austral. ia.
The agreement affirmed by the MOU signing provides for a broad
range of reforms, including major law reform, upgrading of
government works and services, and the application of mainland
employment conditions, taxes and assistance measures.
For their part, the community has agreed to broaden the role
and responsibilities of the Cocos ( Keeling) Islands Council,
in line with the functions carried out by mainland local
government, and to restructure the Cocos Co-operative Society
along more commercial lines.
2.
The terms of the MOU were developed from the recommendations
of the Commonwealth Grants Commission's Second Report on the
Cocos ( Keeling) Islands. The Government announced in August
last year that it accepted most of the Commission's
recommendations, following extensive consultations with the
Cocos community.
In setting appropriate standards for delivering services to
the community, the Government has decided to adopt Western
Australian models, principles and practices as far as
possible. This will provide the community with an identifiable mainland
model against which to measure their progress in achieving
comparable mainland living conditions.