The TSRA

The TSRA

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority established on July 1 1994 under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989, which is today known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Act 2005.

The TSRA has the responsibility to:

• Formulate, coordinate and implement programs for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living within the region;
• Monitor the effectiveness of these programs, including programs conducted by other bodies;
• Advise the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on matters relating to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Affairs in the Torres Strait;
• Recognise and maintain the special and unique Ailan Kastom of the Torres Strait Islander people living in the Torres Strait Region; and
• Undertake activities necessary to perform its function as defined by the ATSI Act 2005.

The TSRA Vision

To empower our people to determine their own affairs based on our unique Ailan Kastom bilong Torres Strait from which we draw our unity and strength

TSRA’s Goals

The TSRA aims to improve the lifestyle and wellbeing of the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.  It aims to achieve this by:

• gaining recognition of our rights, customs and identity as indigenous peoples;
• achieving a better quality of life for all people living in the Torres Strait region;
• developing a sustainable economic base;
• achieving better health and community services;
• ensuring protection of our environment; and
• asserting our native title over the lands and waters of the Torres Strait region.

The TSRA administers Programs to help achieve these goals.