Legal system: based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UK
and Australia are represented by Administrator A. J. MESSNER (since
4 August 1997)
head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister George
Charles Smith (since 30 April 1997)
cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members of
the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and
acts as an advisor to the Administrator
elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the
governor general of Australia; chief minister elected by the
Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years;
election last held 30 April 1997 (next to be held by May 2000)
election results: George Charles Smith elected chief minister;
percent of Legislative Assembly vote—NA
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats;
members elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only
four votes can be given to any one candidate; members serve
three-year terms)
elections: last held 30 April 1997 (next to be held by May 2000)
election results: percent of vote—NA; seats—independents 9
Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of
Australia)
Flag description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band