State of the Island address 2026

Good evening.

A few weeks ago Coral Island took charge of its own affairs. Tonight I want to tell you what that has meant, and what comes next.

We set out to do three things first. To decide for ourselves who comes to this island. To defend its airspace and its waters. And to make the Government's decisions public and open to challenge.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship now decides every visa on its merits, and every decision is given in writing. Coral Control watches our skies and our waters day and night. And from today the Official Gazette records every appointment, every rule and every licence, so that anyone can see what their Government has done.

We are an island open to visitors who respect our laws. Come as a tourist, come to work, come to build a business. Apply before you travel, and you will be welcome.

We are also an island that will protect what it has. The Reef Line is the reason many people come here. I have asked the Ministry of Environment and the Reef to ask you how we should pay to protect it, and I want to hear from residents and visitors alike.

To the officers who have kept this Government running in its first weeks: thank you. To everyone who lives here or wants to: this is your Government. Hold it to account.

Thank you.