Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

NORFOLK ISLAND ACT 1979 - SECT 12A

             (1)  At the first meeting of the Legislative Assembly after a general election, the members present must, after electing a Speaker and Deputy Speaker and before any other business, nominate one of their number to be the Chief Minister.

             (2)  If there is a vacancy in the office of Chief Minister (otherwise than because of paragraph 14(1)(e) or (f)), then:

                     (a)  if the vacancy happens at a meeting of the Legislative Assembly--the members present must nominate one of their number to be the Chief Minister; or

                     (b)  if the vacancy happens at any other time--the Speaker must convene a meeting of the Legislative Assembly as soon as practicable and, at the meeting, the members present must nominate one of their number to be the Chief Minister.

             (3)  If a resolution of no confidence in the Chief Minister is passed, the members present must nominate one of their number to be the Chief Minister.

             (4)  The Speaker or Deputy Speaker is not eligible to be nominated as Chief Minister.

             (5)  If a member of the Legislative Assembly is nominated to be the Chief Minister, the Legislative Assembly is taken to have advised the Administrator to appoint the member as the Chief Minister.