Corporate Overview of the TSRA
OBJECTIVES
- Support delivery of the TSRA services to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the Torres Strait region;
- promote the efficient and effective use of human, financial and physical resources;
- create a rewarding, safe, healthy and equitable working environment;
- ensure the provision of efficient services for the TSRA Administration and Board and the Minister in order to facilitate decision-making;
- manage and maintain assets of the TSRA; and
- create and maintain systems which promote good corporate governance within both the Board and Administration arms of the TSRA.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Audit
The TSRA is scrutinised by government audit agencies during each financial year. The TSRA actively responds to deficiencies identified by audit agencies and endeavours to continually improve the quality of administrative, and program procedures.
Audit Committee
The TSRA Audit Committee is formed primarily to assist the TSRA Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the accounting and reporting practices of the TSRA. The committee also assists the TSRA and Board in corporate governance areas, particularly in regard to complying with obligations under the Commonwealth and Securities Act 1997.
The TSRA Audit Committee Charter - endorsed on June 2023 is available for download.
Certified Workplace Agreement
The TSRA Certified Agreement
All TSRA employees are employed under a Certified Workplace Agreement. The agreement is available to employees on the TSRA’s internal Intranet Site. Enquiries relating to the Certified Workplace Agreement should be directed to the Manager of Human Resources at info@tsra.gov.au or by phone to 07 4069 0700.
Property
The TSRA manages a property portfolio which includes owned and leased office space on Thursday Island and in Cairns, owned and leased housing on Thursday Island and Horn Island, office and Ranger facilities on various outer islands within the Torres Strait and a shared office accommodation with FaHCSIA in Canberra.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The TSRA is an EEO employer and upholds the Australian Public Service Values. The TSRA “provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves.”
Staff members and management receive up to date information and have access to the publications from the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and numerous other agencies on employment related issues including, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Harassment Free Workplaces and Workplace Diversity. EEO and Harassment officers for the TSRA have been elected from within the staff. EEO statistical information is collected upon recruitment of all TSRA staff and provided to the APSC.
Freedom of Information (FOI)
The TSRA’s responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 can be found on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website. Requests for information should be directed in writing to the TSRA’s Chief Executive Officer at PO Box 216, Thursday Island, Queensland, 4875 or by email to info@tsra.gov.au.
Industrial Democracy
As an integral part of the Certified Enterprise Agreement the TSRA has established a Workplace Agreement Consultative Committee, as the consultative body with representatives from management and employees. The TSRA fosters and promotes regular management, section and staff meetings.
Workplace Health and Safety (W&S)
The TSRA recognises its responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 . The TSRA and staff cooperate on WHS Policy and operational matters as stated in the Certified Enterprise Agreement, and take part in appropriate national consultation. Staff members are informed of the current issues and receive WHS publications from the Office of Safe Work Australia and COMCARE.
Privacy
The Former Office of the Privacy Commissioner is now part of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. The TSRA operates in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 .
National Disability Strategy (NDS)
The National Disability Strategy (NDS) sets out a ten year national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development. This new approach will assist in addressing the challenges faced by people with disability, both now and into the future. A copy of the NDS can be found here.
Corporate Documents
The TSRA continues to draw on the Torres Strait Development Plan 2019-2022 . This plan is required under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 . Preparatory steps are being taken for the formulation of the next four year Development Plan.
The TSRA Corporate Plan 2023-24, available in PDF and Word format, is a requirement under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and also aligns with the Torres Strait Development Plan 2019-2022.
As a Commonwealth Entity we provide an annual update on the remuneration paid to the executives in the TSRA. Details for the reporting period are outlined here.