Other Reportable Matters

Changes to Disability Reporting in Annual Reports

Since 1994, Commonwealth departments and agencies have reported on their performance as policy adviser, purchaser, employer, regulator and provider under the Commonwealth Disability Strategy. In 2007 - 2008, reporting on the employer role was transferred to the Australian Public Service Commission's State of the Service Report and the APS Statistical Bulletin. These reports are available at www.apsc.gov.au. From 2010 - 2011, departments and agencies are no longer required to report on these functions.

Exemption from Commonwealth Authorities (Annual Reporting) Orders

The TSRA has not relied upon any exemption from the Finance Minister from any requirement of Commonwealth Authorities (Annual Reporting) Orders in the preparation of this report.

Significant Events

There were no significant events notifiable under Section 15 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs during the reporting period.

Freedom of Information

Agencies subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) are required to publish information to the public as part of the Information Publication Scheme (IPS). This requirement is in Part II of the FOI Act and has replaced the former requirement to publish a Section 8 statement in an annual report. An agency plan showing what information is published in accordance with the requirements is available on the TSRA's website (www.TSRA.gov.au/publications/information- publication-scheme/ TSRA-information-publication- scheme-agency-plan.aspx).

Property Management

The TSRA has a property portfolio which includes office accommodation at three sites on Thursday Island; the Gab Titui Cultural Centre; and residential accommodation, consisting of 40 houses and apartments. The TSRA also owns and maintains the Green Hill Fort. The Green Hill Fort is a listed place on the Commonwealth Heritage List. In addition TSRA has a fleet of vehicles and vessels, most of which are located on outer island communities in the Torres Strait as part of the TSRA ranger programme.

Schedules for regular maintenance of property and assets are in place and these works are contracted out to appropriate tradespeople. Ongoing repairs and maintenance have been carried out in a way that considers our obligations to environmental sustainability, meets government procurement guidelines and supports local business.

TSRA offices have been through an electrical audit, and significant and ongoing upgrades are being made to ensure compliance and scalability to meet future needs.

Renovations to residential property have been carried out in line with the TSRA five-year maintenance programme.

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre underwent a significant renovation, primarily extending the gallery space, including the Ephraim Bani Gallery. The reopening occurred in July 2013.

A proposal for a medium works project has been approved by the public works committee for an 18-dwelling residential development on Clark Street, Thursday Island. The construction of this housing is expected to reduce the TSRA's reliance on rental accommodation and provide longer term financial benefits for the TSRA.

Disclosure of Sacred Matters

In accordance with Section 144ZB(4) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), the TSRA Annual Report 2013 - 2014 does not disclose any matters known by the TSRA to be held sacred by Torres Strait Islanders or Aboriginal people.