2007 Press Release

                                    Federal Court to Visit Torres Strait Communities
                                                                  24/09/2007

From 26 September to 11 October, the Federal Court of Australia will visit and hold early evidence hearings in six Torres Strait communities to hear and preserve the evidence of Traditional Owner Elders in the Regional Sea Claim.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris, said this was a very important occasion in the Sea Claim process and he encourages community members to support the Elders involved.

“Not since the historic Mabo Case of 1992, has the Federal Court travelled to the outer islands of the Torres Strait to hear evidence in a native title claim,” said Mr Kris.

“The Regional Sea Claim was originally filed by the region’s Traditional Owners in the Federal Court in 2001 and claims approximately 42,000 square kilometres of sea in the Torres Strait.

“Mediation over several years has highlighted the important need to preserve traditional information and I thank the Federal Court for travelling to the Torres Strait to hear the evidence of our Elders.

“During the visit, Federal Court Judge, Justice Finn, will hear first-hand traditional evidence in relation to the Claim.

“The evidence heard will be preserved and become part of Court record, and will also help to assist parties to either reach agreement or narrow down some of the issues to be contested.

“The hearings are open for the public to attend and will be held on the following dates and islands:

- 26 to 27 September - Boigu Island
- 28 to 29 September - Kubin Community
- 1 to 2 October - Badu Island
- 3 to 4 October - Saibai Island
- 5 to 6 October - Mer Island
- 8 to 11 October - Erub Island

“These early evidence hearings are not the final hearings as more work is needed to progress the Claim further, so I encourage Traditional Owners to continue working and supporting each other until the case is finalised.

“I would like to thank the respective Island Councils, Prescribed Bodies Corporates, and community members for working with the TSRA’s Native Title Office (NTO) to organise and host the hearings.

“I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of the TSRA’s NTO, who have assisted Counsel with preparing witness statements, briefing witnesses and the communities in preparation for these Court sittings.

“The Regional Sea Claim is a priority for the TSRA’s NTO, and the NTO will continue to assist traditional owners to advance this Claim - by working constructively together, Traditional Owners will be able to secure the best possible outcome for our people,” Mr Kris said.


ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly Ph: 07 4069 0700.
www.tsra.gov.au