The TSRA’s governance framework provides a system of direction and controls, enabling regional outcomes to be achieved through organisational goals and objectives. The framework allows risks and issues to be escalated to the appropriate level. The resolution of risks and issues occurs through formal project management structures, programme structures, the TSRA Programme Steering Committee, the TSRA Audit Committee and the TSRA Board.
TSRA Board
The TSRA Board is an elected representative body which participates in scheduled quarterly meetings and issue-specific out-of-session meetings.
The Chairperson and Executive Members of the TSRA are elected by the members at the first Board meeting following the TSRA elections. The Chairperson is a full-time Principal Executive Officer, while other Board members are part-time officials who are remunerated in accordance with the determinations of the Remuneration Tribunal.
The primary functions of the Board are to:
- set out the TSRA’s vision for the Torres Strait
- oversee the TSRA’s strategic objectives and direction
- approve programme mandates
- review the TSRA’s performance, objectives and outcomes
- manage strategic risk and regional stakeholder relations.
All TSRA Board members are also officials under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) and are classified as Non-Executive Directors. The Board is the accountable authority for the TSRA.
2016-2020 Appointments
The TSRA Board consists of 20 members elected under Division 5 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth). The 20 members represent the communities of Badu, Bamaga, Boigu, Dauan, Erub, Hammond, Iama, Kubin, Mabuyag, Masig, Mer, Ngarupai and Muralag, Port Kennedy, Poruma, Seisia, Saibai, St Pauls, TRAWQ, Ugar and Warraber. Current Board members were elected in July 2016 and will serve on the Board until the next TSRA elections are held in 2020. Elections for Board office holders were held at the first meeting of the new Board, in September 2016.
In September 2017, the Australian Electoral Commission declared Mr Jimmy Gela the successful candidate to fill the position of Member for Erub, following the resignation of Mr Kenny Bedford.
Profiles of TSRA Board Members
MR NAPAU PEDRO STEPHEN AM
CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBER FOR PORT KENNEDY
In July 2016 Mr Napau Pedro Stephen was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. Mr Stephen’s previous term was 2000-2004.
In September 2016 Mr Stephen was elected as the Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Governance and Leadership. He is also a member of the TSRA Regional Governance Committee.
Mr Stephen has over 30 years of extensive executive leadership and management experience with Australian Government and state and local government agencies and community organisations. The former Mayor of Torres Shire Council, he was the longest serving mayor in Queensland.
Mr Stephen is a board member of the Port Kennedy Association and Community Enterprise Queensland (formerly known as the Islanders Board of Industry and Service).
The keys issues of concern for Mr Stephen are housing, unemployment, health, domestic violence, and substance abuse. He aims to address these issues through programmes which improve health care practices and the wellbeing of our families and support ways for families to access affordable housing. He will advocate for increasing the wealth of our region through developing local industries and jobs and supporting community organisations with service delivery.
During his term, Mr Stephen would like to provide strong leadership that promotes people’s honesty and loyalty and outstanding customer service. He would like to lead and establish a single regional governance authority in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, to provide effective and efficient governance with a model of hope and security in line with social and economic independence for people living in the Torres Strait.
MR JERRY D STEPHEN JR
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBER FOR UGAR
In July 2016 Mr Jerry D Stephen Jr was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. Mr Stephen’s previous term was 2012-2016. In September 2016 Mr Stephen was elected as the Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Fisheries.
Mr Stephen, an Ugaram Le from Ugar (Stephen Island), was born and educated on Waiben (Thursday Island). He identifies as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, as his grandfather was traditionally adopted to the Wuthathi Tribe.
Mr Stephen is a qualified skipper and fisherman and has over 25 years of experience working in the private and public sectors. His work has included the delivery of Australian Government programmes throughout the Torres Strait.
Mr Stephen is passionate about the many issues affecting the people of Torres Strait. Those issues include 100 per cent ownership of all fisheries; the delivery of affordable home ownership; climate change; health and wellbeing; Native Title rights and recognition; economic development and employment; better management of culture and arts; appropriate government structure; and the deterioration of public infrastructure.
While on the TSRA Board, Mr Stephen will continue to address the many issues affecting our communities, while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to jointly improve the wellness within our communities.
MR ERIC PETER
ALTERNATE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON and MEMBER FOR BOIGU
In July 2016 Mr Eric Peter was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. Mr Peter’s previous term was 2012-2016. In September 2016 Mr Peter was elected as the Alternate Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Native Title.
Mr Peter is the Deputy Chairperson of Mura Boigulgaw Aiy Kuyk Corporation and a member of Malu Ki’ai (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation.
Mr Peter holds an Associate Degree in Business and Finance and a Certificate IV in Quarantine and Export Inspection. He has completed Australian Public Service (APS) leadership programmes and worked in the APS for more than 21 years. Mr Peter is currently employed by the Queensland Police Service and employed as a Torres Strait Islander police officer in his community.
Mr Peter’s key concern is the need to improve economic growth in fishing and other industries in the Torres Strait region, in order to create opportunities for people at the grassroots level to improve their lifestyles. He believes that economic growth is important for our families in the region.
Mr Peter aims to improve economic development in the Torres Strait region and progress Native Title matters with the government, for our people.
MR HORACE BAIRA
MEMBER FOR BADU
In July 2016 Mr Baira was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time. Mr Baira is a member of the TSRA Audit Committee and the Project Steering Committee, Community Management Framework Project (Fisheries Programme).
Mr Baira is a member of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Board, and a former Councillor for Badu Island on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.
Mr Baira has experience in environmental health; community management; rural and remote operations; and small business management.
Mr Baira’s key issues of concern are the ineffectiveness of integrated service delivery between stakeholders in the Torres Strait region and the allocation of resources towards community and economic development.
Mr Baira would like to provide direction towards the future planning of regional governance and community development that will support a safe and healthy region and a strong economy while conserving the Ailan Kastom and our natural environment.
MRS PATRICIA YUSIA
MEMBER FOR BAMAGA
In July 2016 Mrs Patricia Yusia was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time. In September 2016 Mrs Yusia was elected as the Portfolio Member for Healthy Communities.
Mrs Yusia has over 21 years of experience as a director of non-government organisations. She serves as a director of local community organisations, including the Bamagau Kazil Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, Apunipima Cape Yorke Health Council and Northern Peninsula Area Family and Community Family Services. She is also a member of the Mura Badulgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation Board.
Mrs Yusia has 26 years of experience in the health sector, and holds a Diploma in Governance, a Diploma in Primary Health Care, a Degree in Health Science and a Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion.
Mrs Yusia’s key areas of concern are the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities; community engagement; overcrowding in housing; lack of employment opportunities; domestic violence; child safety; child care; and drugs and alcohol.
Mrs Yusia aims to address these issues by working with relevant government stakeholders to ensure that adequate programmes and services are delivered to the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area communities.
Mrs Yusia also acknowledges that it is important to empower and support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership through upskilling and support for current and future community initiatives, workshops, mentoring and guidance for people who would like to start their own businesses or take on challenging roles.
Mrs Yusia also seeks to address the social and cultural barriers which affect the wellbeing and health of our people, by adopting an approach centred on community and family, gathering real data and having skilled local people in key positions.
Mrs Yusia aims to improve Indigenous leadership, health partnerships, and social and cultural determinants which affect our lifestyle. She also wants to lobby and allocate more funding for organisations which empower groups in the communities to be sustainable, believing that it is important to encourage communities to work together for a brighter, healthy future for our children and future generations.
MR JOEL GAIDAN
MEMBER FOR DAUAN
In July 2016 Mr Joel Gaidan was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time.
Mr Gaidan was Councillor for Dauan on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council in 2012-2016, and was employed by the council as an environmental health worker. He is in the process of completing a Diploma of Environmental Health.
Mr Gaidan’s key areas of concern for his community include addressing the shortage of housing; upgrading and maintaining the water supply and rubbish dump; sealing roads; and addressing the mobile telephone blackspot at the back of Dauan.
Mr Gaidan’s main priorities for his time on the Board are re-establishing the community’s ferry service and repairing and upgrading the community’s pontoon facility.
MR JIMMY GELA
MEMBER FOR ERUB
In September 2017 Mr Jimmy Gela was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time.
Mr Gela is the Chairperson of Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation; a director of Malu Lamar (Torres Strait Islander) Corporation, the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association and Ged Erub Trading Homeland Enterprise (Torres Strait Islander) Corporation; and a member of the Erub Fisheries Management Association. Mr Gela is also a former Councillor for Erub on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.
Mr Gela has experience in building construction and roads and drainage maintenance, and holds a Medium Rigid driver’s licence.
Mr Gela is interested in the issues of maintaining cultural and traditional knowledge and practices, and upskilling locals to obtain qualifications, particularly in the trades or business administration. He is also concerned about criminal activities in his community of Erub.
Mr Gela would like lessons on cultural and traditional knowledge to be taught in schools on the outer islands, training providers to provide training to assist locals to obtain a trade or business qualification, and the Queensland Police Service to have an ongoing presence in the Erub community for more than two years.
During his term, Mr Gela will ensure that the decisions he makes will be fair and beneficial to his constituents in Erub and the people of the Torres Strait.
MR SERIAKO DORANTE
MEMBER FOR HAMMOND
In July 2016 Mr Seriako Dorante was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time.
Mr Dorante was the Deputy Chairperson of the Hammond Island Council in 2004-2008.
Mr Dorante holds a Certificate IV in Frontline Management and a Certificate IV in Local Government Administration. He is currently employed as the Divisional Engineering Officer of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.
Mr Dorante’s key issues of concern are Native Title, housing, employment, health and wellbeing, access to shops, and roads. He believes that these issues can be addressed properly through better consultation processes involving all relevant stakeholders and government bodies.
Mr Dorante will advocate to improve the lifestyles and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in our region.
MR GETANO LUI JR AM
MEMBER FOR IAMA
In July 2016 Mr Getano Lui Jr was elected to the TSRA Board for the fifth time. Mr Lui’s previous terms were 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2004 and 2012-2016. Mr Lui was the TSRA Board’s first Chairperson.
Mr Lui is the Councillor for Iama on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. He previously held the positions of Councillor and Chairperson of the Iama Community Council (1997-2004), Chairperson of the Island Coordinating Council (1985-2000) and Chairman of the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (1985-2000).
In 1994 Mr Lui was made a Member of the Order of Australia. He has been a commissioner for declarations since 1979 and a justice of the peace (magistrates court) since 1995.
Between 1976 and 1985 Mr Lui was involved in the ratification of the Torres Strait Treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea. He is the current Co-Chairperson of the Traditional Inhabitants Meeting at the regular Australia – Papua New Guinea bilateral meetings.
Mr Lui’s key area of concern is the socioeconomic and cultural wellbeing of his people. His priority is to advocate for a form of regional governance that will recognise ‘home rule’ and ultimately lead to a form of regional autonomy that will grant full self-determination to our people of Zenadth Kes, giving us the authority and the capacity to manage and control our own affairs.
MR DAVID BOSUN
MEMBER FOR KUBIN
In July 2016 Mr David Bosun was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. Mr Bosun previously served on the TSRA Board from 2008 to 2012 and was the rotational member of the TSRA Audit Committee.
Mr Bosun is currently the Councillor for Kubin Community on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. He is also a Director of Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Arts Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
Mr Bosun holds an Associate Diploma in Journalism and Communication, a Certificate IV in Visual Arts and a Certificate IV in Business Management. Mr Bosun would like to see a marked improvement in the Torres Strait economy through sustainable tourism ventures and the promotion of arts and culture.
Mr Bosun emphasises a grassroots approach to training, employment and economic development that enables communities to become empowered, self-sufficient and independent.
MR CYGNET REPU
MEMBER FOR MABUYAG
In July 2016 Mr Cygnet Repu was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time. In September 2016 Mr Repu was elected as the Portfolio Member for Culture, Art and Heritage.
Mr Repu is the Chairperson of the Goemulgaw Kod, a local cultural organisation on Mabuyag. He is also the Chairperson of the Torres Strait Traditional Language Advisory Committee. He is an experienced culturalist who has presented overseas and is very passionate about acquiring other skills and interests.
Mr Repu has received various awards during his service with Biosecurity Australia over the past 20 years, and will draw from his experiences and qualifications in Biosecurity Australia during his term as Member for Mabuyag.
Mr Repu’s key issues of concern for the Torres Strait are housing, children’s welfare, cultural hunger, community unity, travel and transport. He believes that a sensible way to achieve changes is to focus on each 1 per cent rather than 100 per cent, and that it is much better to keep taking a step forward because each step is a drop of sweat well earned.
MS HILDA MOSBY
MEMBER FOR MASIG
In July 2016 Ms Hilda Mosby was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. Her previous term was 2012-2016. In September 2016 Ms Mosby was elected as the Portfolio Member for Environmental Management. She is a member of the TSRA Audit Committee.
Ms Mosby has more than 17 years of experience in the APS, working for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (now part of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (now the Department of Home Affairs). Ms Mosby is currently employed as the Senior Housing Officer for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.
Community involvement has been a paramount focus for Ms Mosby, who is an active member on committees dealing with education, health, justice, fisheries and Native Title in her community of Masig.
Of key concern to Ms Mosby is the impact of coastal erosion on low-lying Torres Strait communities, including her own community. She will advocate for an integrated approach to address coastal erosion issues by the relevant Australian Government and Queensland Government agencies.
The preservation of Torres Strait culture through language, music and art is another area that Ms Mosby is passionate about. She will continue to advocate for the best outcomes for the cultural wellbeing of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in this region.
MR AVEN S NOAH
MEMBER FOR MER
In June 2016 Mr Aven S Noah
was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. He was the Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Culture, Arts and Heritage in 2012-2016.
Mr Noah believes that traditional land and sea rights are paramount to controlling resources, and that the TSRA must work closely with Traditional Owners as these resources will form the foundation of the region’s economic independence as an autonomous state. Mr Noah’s passion is for greater autonomy for the people of the Torres Strait and he will continue to support and contribute to the region’s push to achieve ‘home rule’.
Mr Noah is a member of the Round Table on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics; the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics, Australian Bureau of Statistics; and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, Ipsos Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Unit.
Mr Noah has extensive experience in media and communications and is keen to see the development of media and communications, including new technologies, across the region.
Mr Noah is the Land Administration Manager for the Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation, and is heavily involved in the development of the Torres Strait Language Strategy through his membership of the Torres Strait Language Reference Group.
MR YEN LOBAN
MEMBER FOR NGARUPAI AND MURALAG
In July 2016 Mr Yen Loban was elected to the TSRA Board for a second time. His previous term was 2012-2016. He is a member of the TSRA Audit Committee.
Mr Loban is also the Deputy Mayor of Torres Shire Council.
Mr Loban’s primary concerns are the lack of basic service infrastructure on Muralag, and the low level of support provided to the ongoing development of Ngarupai and the outer islands.
Mr Loban will work to ensure that the communities of Ngarupai and Muralag are healthy and safe; that those communities receive the same services as other communities receive, across the Torres Strait; and that TSRA programmes focus on equity in service provision to the benefit of those communities.
MR FRANK FAUID
MEMBER FOR PORUMA
In July 2016 Mr Frank Fauid was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time.
Mr Fauid is the Central Islands Representative on the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association Board and a member of Porumalgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation.
Mr Fauid is currently employed by the Australia Border Force as a border movement officer on Poruma. Mr Fauid is a pastor of the Australian Christian Churches (Assemblies of God). He has a Certificate III in Micro Business Operations.
Mr Fauid’s key concern is the issue of coastal erosion affecting Poruma and other low-lying communities. His other concerns are the lack of jobs in the communities; the condition of some of the infrastructure in his community, particularly the basketball court; and the need to improve the health and wellbeing of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in his community and the region.
Mr Fauid will work with the relevant government ministers and stakeholders to address these issues to get the best outcomes for his community and the region.
MS CHELSEA ANIBA
MEMBER FOR SAIBAI
In July 2016 Ms Chelsea Aniba was elected to the TSRA Board for the second time. Her previous term was 2012-2016. In September 2016 Ms Aniba was elected as the Portfolio Member for Safe Communities.
Ms Aniba has qualifications in radio broadcasting, business administration, social housing, Indigenous justice studies and governance.
Ms Aniba has established a profile through her involvement in local radio, including eight years in radio broadcasting, and her membership of the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association Committee of Management. She is also a Director of the Saibai Community Development Corporation, which aims to empower the community through local enterprises.
Ms Aniba’s two primary concerns, which closely affect her home of Saibai Island, are coastal erosion and rising sea levels; and the insufficient supply of social housing. She is pleased to see that the construction of a new seawall on Saibai Island was completed in 2016-2017. Ms Aniba will advocate for the ongoing construction of seawalls throughout the affected Torres Strait communities and the rollout of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.
Ms Aniba’s other concerns relate to creating employment and economic development opportunities for local families in small businesses; helping to keep, restore and revitalise our culture; and strengthening Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate to enable them to progress Native Title issues.
Ms Aniba also works closely with non-government organisations in tackling domestic violence, juvenile justice and mental health issues in communities and will advocate for the best outcomes in those areas.
MR JOSEPH ELU AO
MEMBER FOR SEISIA
In July 2016 Mr Joseph Elu was elected to the TSRA Board for the sixth time. His previous terms were 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2004, 2008-2012 and 2012-2016. Mr Elu was the TSRA Chairperson in 2012-2016.
In September 2016 Mr Elu was elected as the Portfolio Member for Economic Development.
Mr Elu is the Councillor for Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, and has 21 years of experience as the Chairman of the Seisia Island Council. He is the Chairperson of Seisia Enterprises Pty Ltd and Seisia Community Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
In 2017 Mr Elu was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Indigenous Land Corporation Board. He was the Chairperson of Indigenous Business Australia (formerly known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commercial Development Corporation) for 12 years.
In 2001 Mr Elu was awarded the Centenary Medal. In 2008 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia and awarded the NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award.
During his career, Mr Elu has been an influential leader in Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal affairs and Indigenous economic development, and has been instrumental in assisting Indigenous people throughout Australia to develop sustainable economic enterprises.
MR JOHN PAIWAN
MEMBER FOR ST PAULS
In July 2016 Mr John Paiwan was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time.
Mr Paiwan has nine years of experience in local government as an employee of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. He has a Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety and is currently undertaking studies in a Diploma of Leadership and Management.
Mr Paiwan’s key concerns are upgrading infrastructure in communities, especially water services; supporting the construction of subdivisions for future development, especially for St Pauls; increasing support for training and employment of local people; and supporting small business and economic development in the region.
He aims to achieve his goals by working in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council and other service providers and local organisations in the region, and by lobbying government to address and support community concerns.
MR JOHN ABEDNEGO
MEMBER FOR TRAWQ
In July 2016 Mr John Abednego was elected to the TSRA Board for the sixth time, as the Member for TRAWQ (communities of Tamwoy, Rose Hill, Aplin, Waiben and Quarantine on Thursday Island). His previous terms were 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2004, 2008-2012 and 2012-2016.
Mr Abednego was the Chairperson of the TSRA Board in 1997-2000, Portfolio Member for Legal and Media in 2000-2004, and Portfolio Member for Safe Communities in 2012-2016.
Mr Abednego is a Councillor on the Torres Shire Council, a member of the Parents and Citizens Committee of the Tagai State College Thursday Island Secondary Campus, and President of the TRAWQ Indigenous Corporation. He also plays a role in the Anglican Church.
Mr Abednego has a Diploma of Counselling and 20 years of experience in community, organisation and board development; policies and procedures; and government systems. During his career he has been involved in mediation and counselling, court referrals, and social justice interagency networking.
Mr Abednego’s key concerns are lack of funding, inappropriate policies and the fact that culture and the mainstream are not equal partners. To address those concerns he aims to seek outside funding, have dedicated positions for cultural people, and ensure that cultural people are involved in developing culturally appropriate policies with meaningful outcomes.
Mr Abednego aims to achieve effective processes that deliver meaningful outcomes in the community.
MR WILLIE LUI
MEMBER FOR WARRABER
In July 2016 Mr Willie Lui was elected to the TSRA Board for the third time. His previous terms were 2008-2012 and 2012-2016.
Mr Lui served as Councillor for Warraber Island on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council in 2008-2012 and 2012-2016.
Mr Lui holds a Certificate IV in Finance and is a qualified carpenter.
The key areas of concern for Mr Lui are the high cost of living, lack of employment opportunities, and Native Title issues. He will work to see those concerns addressed through effective implementation of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan 2009-2029 and the TSRA’s Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018.
Board Meetings
The TSRA Chairperson is required to convene at least four board meetings each year under Section 144E of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth). If it is considered necessary, the TSRA Chairperson may convene other meetings of the TSRA Board to enable the TSRA to carry out its functions.
During 2017-2018, the TSRA Board held four Board meetings as detailed in Table 4-1. Attendance at Board meetings is outlined in Table 4-2.
TABLE 4-1: BOARD MEETING DATES AND APOLOGIES
| Meeting No. | Dates | Apologies | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 104 | 5-7 September 2017 | Mr Aven S Noah Ms Hilda Mosby Mr Joseph Elu (Day 3) |
Nil |
| 105 | 29 November – 1 December 2017 | Mrs Patricia Yusia (Day 1 – afternoon session, Day 2 and Day 3) Ms Hilda Mosby (Day 2 and Day 3) |
Nil |
| 106 | 14-16 March 2018 | Mr Willie Lui (Day 1 and Day 2) Mr John Abednego (Day 2) |
Nil |
| 107 | 13-15 June 2018 | Mrs Patricia Yusia (Day 1 – the morning) Mr Jimmy Gela (Day 1 – the morning) Mr Yen Loban (Day 1 – the morning) Mr Eric Peter (Day 2 – joined meeting at 10.10am) |
Nil |
TABLE 4-2: BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE
| Member | Number of meetings attended | Member | Number of meetings attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr Napau Pedro Stephen | 4 of 4 | Mr Cygnet Repu | 4 of 4 |
| Mr Jerry D Stephen Jr | 4 of 4 | Ms Hilda Mosby | 3 of 4 |
| Mr Eric Peter | 3.5 of 4 | Mr Aven S Noah | 3 of 4 |
| Mr Horace Baira | 4 of 4 | Mr Yen Loban | 3.5 of 4 |
| Mrs Patricia Yusia | 3 of 4 | Mr Frank Fauid | 4 of 4 |
| Mr Joel Gaidan | 4 of 4 | Ms Chelsea Aniba | 4 of 4 |
| Mr Jimmy Gela | 3.5 of 4 | Mr Joseph Elu | 3.5 of 4 |
| Mr Seriako Dorante | 4 of 4 | Mr John Paiwan | 4 of 4 |
| Mr Getano Lui Jr | 4 of 4 | Mr John Abednego | 3.5 of 4 |
| Mr David Bosun | 4 of 4 | Mr Willie Lui | 3.5 of 4 |
Board Charter and Ethics
The second edition of the TSRA Board Charter was adopted in 2016. The charter brings together all resources that Board members require to enable them to exercise their powers and responsibilities.
The TSRA Board Charter is based on ethical standards and good governance and contains key documents such as the Board Member’s Code of Conduct, the TSRA’s Charter of Representation, Performance and Accountability, and the terms of reference relating to Board committees.
Board Member Induction
The TSRA Board elections were conducted on 30 July 2016. A Board Induction Programme was undertaken by all elected TSRA Board members between 29 August and 2 September 2016. The programme was delivered by Effective Governance and was based on key governance roles, Board functions and processes, and Board members’ matters.
Board Code of Conduct
The TSRA Board Member’s Code of Conduct and ethics policies are published in the TSRA Board Charter.
Board Training and Education
In June 2018, TSRA Board members undertook an intensive two-day Indigenous Governance Programme on Thursday Island. Delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the programme provided members with professional development in assessing financial statements and organisational performance, as well as understanding their strategic role in the agency and how to engage with and understand the risks of decision-making at the Board level.
All Board members attended the TSRA’s Board Strategic Training Workshop in March 2018. The workshop focused on the TSRA’s financial, strategic planning and risk framework.
Board members are also eligible to apply for the TSRA’s leadership capacity building programmes. Individual qualifications are stated in the & Profiles of TSRA Board Members in this section of the Annual Report.
Executive Committee
The TSRA Board formed an Executive Committee at its meeting in September 2016 to assist the Chairperson to carry out his functions. The portfolio structure of the Executive Committee is aligned to the TSRA’s eight programmes.
Executive Committee meetings are held quarterly, immediately prior to each TSRA Board meeting. The TSRA Chairperson may call for additional Executive Committee meetings should they be required.
The Executive Committee’s objectives are to:
- ensure that policies and future directives are made in accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) and other relevant legislation
- advocate for improved outcomes in the Torres Strait region
- represent the views of the TSRA on internal and external committees
- assist the TSRA Chairperson to communicate to Torres Strait communities government policies and TSRA decisions and achievements as they relate to the Executive Committee’s portfolio responsibilities.
Membership
The 2017-2018 Executive Committee members and their portfolio responsibilities are shown in Table 4-3.
TABLE 4-3: MEMBERSHIP OF THE 2017-2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr Napau Pedro Stephen | Chairperson Portfolio Member for Governance and Leadership |
| Mr Jerry D Stephen | Deputy Chairperson Portfolio Member for Fisheries |
| Mr Eric Peter | Alternate Deputy Chairperson Portfolio Member for Native Title |
| Mr Joseph Elu | Portfolio Member for Economic Development |
| Ms Chelsea Aniba | Portfolio Member for Safe Communities |
| Ms Hilda Mosby | Portfolio Member for Environmental Management |
| Mr Cygnet Repu | Portfolio Member for Culture, Arts and Heritage |
| Mrs Patricia Yusia | Portfolio Member for Healthy Communities |
Meetings
In 2017–2018, the TSRA Executive Committee met four times as shown in Table 4-4.
Attendance at Executive Committee meetings is shown in Table 4-5.
TABLE 4-4: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES AND APOLOGIES
| Dates | Apologies | Absent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September 2017 | Nil | Nil |
| 27 November 2017 | Nil | Nil |
| 12 March 2018 | TSRA Portfolio Member for Environmental Management and Member for Masig | Nil |
| 11 June 2018 | TSRA Portfolio Member for Safe Communities and Member for Saibai (attended from 12.30pm) | Nil |
TABLE 4-5: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDANCE
| Member | Number of meetings attended |
|---|---|
| Mr Napau Pedro Stephen | 3 of 3 |
| Mr Jerry D Stephen Jr | 3 of 3 |
| Mr Eric Peter | 3 of 3 |
| Mr Joseph Elu | 3 of 3 |
| Ms Chelsea Aniba | 2.5 of 3 |
| Ms Hilda Mosby | 2 of 3 |
| Mr Cygnet Repu | 3 of 3 |
| Mrs Patricia Yusia | 3 of 3 |
Other corporate and advisory Committees
Programme Steering Committee
The TSRA has in place a Programme Steering Committee (PSC) to monitor the performance of its programmes and operations. The TSRA’s programmes manage projects and ongoing activities contributing to the outcomes outlined in the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 and the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan 2009-2029.
The PSC consists of the TSRA’s Chief Executive Officer, programme managers, project managers and Chief Financial Officer. The PSC meets on a quarterly basis and also, when required, out of session, to consider specific project risks and issues. The PSC considers programme resources and ensures that strategies and operational activities align with the TSRA’s overall outcomes.
Audit Committee
Advisory committees are those committees established under Section 142M of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth). The TSRA has one advisory committee, the TSRA Audit Committee.
The TSRA is required to have an Audit Committee under section 45 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth). The TSRA Board is responsible for appointing the Audit Committee to provide independent advice and assistance to the TSRA Board on the risk control and compliance frameworks as well as the TSRA’s external accountability responsibilities.
The Audit Committee consists of four members. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee is an independent member from the accountancy firm HLB Mann Judd (previously ShineWing Australia). The Chairperson of the Audit Committee provides technical expertise and experience, and advice on best practice accounting and auditing standards in the public sector. The Chairperson can request special meetings of the TSRA Audit Committee if considered necessary.
The current TSRA Audit Committee was endorsed by the incoming TSRA Board at its inaugural meeting in September 2016.
Membership
The membership of the Audit Committee during 2017-2018 is shown in Table 4-6.
TABLE 4-6: AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr Adrian Kelly | Chairperson and Independent Member |
| Mr Horace Baira | Member for Badu |
| Mr Yen Loban | Member for Ngarupai and Muralag |
| Ms Hilda Mosby | Member for Masig |
Meetings
The Audit Committee met four times in 2017-2018, as shown in Table 4-7. Attendance at Audit Committee meetings is shown in Table 4-8.
TABLE 4-7: AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING DATES AND APOLOGIES
| Dates | Apologies |
|---|---|
| 4 September 2017 | Nil |
| 28 November 2017 | Nil |
| 13 March 2018 | Nil |
| 12 June 2018 | Nil |
TABLE 4-8: ATTENDANCE AT AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETINGS
| Member | Number of meetings attended |
|---|---|
| Mr Adrian Kelly | 4 of 4 |
| Mr Horace Baira | 4 of 4 |
| Mr Yen Loban | 4 of 4 |
| Ms Hilda Mosby | 4 of 4 |
Finfish Quota Management Committee
The TSRA Board established the Finfish Quota Management Committee (FQMC) as a formal advisory committee under Section 142M of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth).
The FQMC was established by the Board in 2007 to provide advice on leasing arrangements in the Torres Strait finfish fishery, following the transfer of the fishery to 100 per cent ownership. The Terms of Reference for the FQMC set out the membership to be the four TSRA Board members from the finfish communities (Erub, Masig, Mer and Ugar), an independent TSRA Board member as Chairperson, and one community fisher representative from each of the finfish communities.
The current Chairperson (the Member for Ngarupai and Muralag) and community fisher representatives have been appointed members of the FQMC for the term of the sitting TSRA Board. Membership of the committee expires on the date the Australian Electoral Commission issues a notice of election for the TSRA.
Membership
Membership of the FQMC during 2017-2018 is shown in Table 4-9.
Meetings
The FQMC met one time in 2017-2018, as shown in Table 4-10. Members’ attendance at FQMC meetings is shown in Table 4-11.
TABLE 4-9: FINFISH QUOTA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr Yen Loban | Chairperson (TSRA Member for Ngarupai and Muralag) |
| Mr Jerry D Stephen Jr | TSRA Member for Ugar |
| Mr Daniel Stephen | Ugar community fisher representative |
| Mr Aven S Noah | TSRA Member for Mer |
| Mr John Tabo Jr | Mer community fisher representative |
| Ms Hilda Mosby | TSRA Member for Masig |
| Mr John Morris | Masig community fisher representative |
| Mr Jimmy Gela | TSRA Member for Erub |
| Mr Daniel Sailor | Erub community fisher representative |
TABLE 4-10: FINFISH QUOTA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATES AND APOLOGIES
| Dates | Apologies |
|---|---|
| 15-16 February | Ms Hilda Mosby |
TABLE 4-11: ATTENDANCE AT FINFISH QUOTA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS
| Member | Number of meetings attended |
|---|---|
| Mr Yen Loban | 1 of 1 |
| Mr Jerry D Stephen Jr | 1 of 1 |
| Mr Daniel Stephen | 1 of 1 |
| Mr Aven S Noah | 1 of 1 |
| Mr John Tabo Jr | 1 of 1 |
| Ms Hilda Mosby | 0 of 1 |
| Mr John Morris | 1 of 1 |
| Mr Jimmy Gela | 1 of 1 |
| Mr Daniel Sailor | 1 of 1 |