Norfolk Island services to be overseen by Queensland

One of Australia's most remote territories, Norfolk Island, will have services overseen by Queensland from next year, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed today. 

The state will take over the administration of health and education sectors for the South Pacific island, which has a population of 1748.

The island is 1440 kilometres east of Brisbane and will have the support of Queensland from January 1, 2022. Previously, the services had been looked after by NSW.

READ MORE: 'No end in sight' for high petrol prices

Ms Palaszczuk confirmed the news after signing an agreement with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

"This agreement will provide greater clarity and certainty for the more than 1700 residents who call Norfolk Island home," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I'm proud of the Queensland government's long history of delivering world-class services to geographically remote locations, and we look forward to tailoring future delivery models to address the unique and long-term needs of the Norfolk Island community."

READ MORE: The 'calculator' that says if you will catch COVID-19

Plans to oversee the remote island follow a delegation led by Education Minister Grace Grace this year, that found most residents, through family or study had a connection to Queensland. 

Mr Joyce said the Commonwealth decision was a "landmark moment," for Norfolk Island. 

READ MORE: Giant WWII bomb found in Aussie back yard

"With the signing of this IGA between the Australian and Queensland governments, the essential health support and school education services currently delivered by the New South Wales government will transition to Queensland from January 1, 2022, heralding a new and sustainable future for state-type services on Norfolk Island," he said.

The decision comes amid uncertainty over the island's future, after NSW ended its commitment to oversee the communities vital education and health services.