A Norfolk Island businessman, Brett Sanderson, says comments by the acting Australian minister for overseas territories about the island are outrageous.
The minister, Darren Chester, was dismissing a report by Norfolk-based retired economist Chris Nobbs.
He says Dr Nobbs got it wrong saying the economy was in crisis.
Mr Chester suggested the influence of Canberra over the past year or so has helped to turn the economy around, includiing with the past 12 months being the best since the global financial crisis for tourist numbers.
Don Wiseman spokes with Mr Sanderson who is challenging the minister's claims.