A political party is being formed in Norfolk Island to fight for the island's self-determination.
Norfolk Island Flag Photo: None
Norfolk has been run directly by Canberra for the past five years and businessman Peter Christian-Bailey says the island is in a state of turmoil as a result.
The islanders had had their own parliament previously and have been campaigning ever since the takeover for the restoration of a level of the autonomy they had had.
Christian-Bailey is forming the Norfolk Island Party to contest in the Canberra suburban seat, Bean, which includes the island.
While the population of the island is only about 18-hundred, he is confident they will gain support on the mainland from the Norfolk diaspora.
He said the islanders have no say on what is happening on their own island.
"We want Norfolk to have an Act of Self Determination. And that means that Norfolk has a true representative government in place that respects the wishes of the people, respects the heritage and culture of the island, and one that abides by international law and human rights," he said.
The Federal Parliament seat is currently held by Labor Party MP, David Smith.
