It acknowledged the sovereign British Possession of Norfolk Islands' powers of self-government in conjunction to standing Australian policy.

[2] The Act formally recognised the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly and the Assembly's powers to pass, amend, and repeal laws, and – subject to the assent of the Administrator of Norfolk Island – executive powers.

[2] The Act was made under the powers granted to Parliament in section 122 of the Constitution of Australia.

[2] The Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015 passed the Australian Parliament on 14 May 2015 (Assented on 26 May 2015) abolishing self-government on Norfolk Island and transferring Norfolk Island into a council as part of New South Wales law.

[4] In February 2016, the Australian Parliament passed the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Assented on 23 March 2016) to enhance further political reforms on Norfolk Island.