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The isolated communities of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands are wholly dependent on the Federal Government for funding of government services, including services normally provided by State and local governments, such as education, health and housing.
In response to the recommendations of the Commonwealth Grants Commission Report on Indian Ocean Territories 1999, the Government has committed a total of $44.9 million for 2001-02 to ensure that service delivery standards are, so far as practicable, the same as those of comparable communities on the mainland.
The Government has also committed $21.9 million in 2001-02 to upgrade infrastructure required for the delivery of mainland-equivalent services, to help foster the social and economic capacity of these communities as well as facilitating and maintaining their links with the rest of Australia and the wider world economy.
The Federal Government provides most of the State and local government-type services to Jervis Bay at a standard comparable with that of the adjoining Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. An annual expenditure of $3.5 million ensures service delivery through arrangements made with the Australian Capital Territory, Shoalhaven City Council and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council.
The Norfolk Island community is limited in its access to regional funding initiatives as a result of the non-extension of some Commonwealth legislation to this self-governing Commonwealth Territory. The Federal Government provides annual funding of around $450,000 to Norfolk Island for the conservation and maintenance of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area. Funding of $36,000 is also provided for legal aid assistance.