Is Christmas Island a maritime hazard?

The narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses a maritime hazard. Christmas Island lies 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) northwest of Perth, Western Australia, 350 km (220 mi) south of Indonesia, 975 km (606 mi) east-northeast of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and 2,748 km (1,708 mi) west of Darwin, Northern Territory.

Will Christmas Island's mining operations end?

Mining operations on Christmas Island are expected to start winding down. (ABC News: Chris Gillette) Christmas Island does have another high-profile industry — immigration detention — which has delivered much-needed infrastructure to the Indian Ocean community, but it is by no means universally popular.

Should the Christmas Island economy diversify?

Mark Bennett says the Christmas Island economy must diversify. (ABC News: Chris Gillette) The 1,800 residents of remote Christmas Island fear they are facing a potential economic catastrophe.

What laws apply to Christmas Island?

Under the federal government's Christmas Island Act 1958, Western Australian laws are applied to Christmas Island; non-application or partial application of such laws is at the discretion of the federal government. The act also gives Western Australian courts judicial power over Christmas Island.

Is Christmas Island a state?

The territory falls under no formal state jurisdiction, but the Western Australian government provides many services as established by the Christmas Island Act. The Australian government provides services through the Christmas Island Administration and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

What is Christmas Island known for?

The majority (63%) of the island is included in the Christmas Island National Park, which features several areas of primary monsoonal forest. Phosphate, deposited originally as guano, has been mined on the island since 1899. William Dampier (left) and Charles Swan (right) aboard the latter's ship Cygnet, as illustrated in a work by Jules Verne.