An Australian Cabinet Minister says Norfolk Island is in danger of becoming a failed state.
The Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus says the self-governing Pacific island is falling behind Australian national standards in a range of areas and needs to undertake reforms.
He says these could include ending the island residents' exemption from paying income tax and extending Commonwealth services to the territory.
Mr Debus has told parliament that the government of this very small place is not in a position to resolve its problems independently.
He says the island lacks an economic foundation strong enough to support basic programs and infrastructure.
Mr Debus says Australian citizens on Norfolk Island do not receive all the benefits and protections enjoyed by other Australians, nor do they have the same obligations.
He says Australia cannot afford to allow Norfolk Island to become a failed state, which, he says, is the likely outcome in the longer term if no action is taken.
Mr Debus says he will soon present policy to Cabinet aimed at securing the future of Norfolk Island as a sustainable, just and equal part of Australia into the 21st century.
