Public intellectual Dr Chris Nobbs, a direct descendant of Rev George Hunn Nobbs – who joined the Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn Island before they decamped to Norfolk Island in 1856 – has written several books and numerous newspaper columns on the remarkable story of this rocky outpost in the south-western Pacific Ocean.
Dr Nobbs is a graduate of the universities of Auckland, London and Cambridge, in natural science, economics and economic development respectively. He has had a career in both the private sector as a consultant, and as a public servant at local, state, national and international levels. He now lives on Norfolk Island, where he was born.
Communiqué 10 March 2026 and submission Chicanery, Folly: An Assessment and an Appeal
Dr Nobbs has written an appeal to the Prime Minister, summarised in this media release. The substantive essay is entitled “The Australian Government and Norfolk Island Governance: Chicanery, Folly. An Assessment and an Appeal”, which deals with the political relationship between the Commonwealth and Norfolk Island over recent years. A copy has been sent to the Prime Minister, Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, requesting his intervention. The essay is 28pp plus 7pp references and appendices. Dr Nobbs has invitd the public to read the essay, and be in contact to discuss: governancenorfolk@gmail.com.
Submissions to authorities
Revenue sources and economic viability of the Norfolk Island Regional Council and the operation of local government. A submission to the 2023 Joint Standing Committee on National Capital and External Territories Inquiry. 24 March 2023.