Norfolk Island's impoverished autonomy is ending.

Legislation has been introduced to federal parliament today paving the way for the government to end Norfolk Island's autonomy.

The remote little Pacific Island with a population of 1800, though part of Australia, has sat outside most mainland government systems and largely run its own affairs since 1979.

But Regional Development Minister Jamie Briggs says the task is simply too big for the island, and there is an almost complete absence of the health and social services most Australians take for granted.

He says the roads are deteriorating, the electricity network is at risk of collapse and the island government's financial situation is dire.