Corporate Overview

Corporate Overview by the General Manager, Mr Wayne See Kee

The TSRA encountered and overcame numerous challenges over the 2007-2008 year in the effective delivery of services to Indigenous people living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. Much has been achieved over  that period and the TSRA is proud of the success of each of its programs.

ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY

In the past 12 months, the size of the TSRA has slightly increased. The increase is the result of minor expansion in the Land and Sea Management Unit to better service the community. As at 30 June 2008, TSRA had 68 staff.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Since my last report, the TSRA has maintained a strong focus on workforce development through a number of initiatives and innovative approaches
addressing this priority area facing both government and the private sector.

Some of the initiatives adopted in 2007-2008 include:

•           Launch of the new TSRA Reward and Recognition Program

•           Sponsoring staff members in structured leadership development programs

•           Strategic training delivery

•           Continuation of cadetships into the TSRA

•           Continuation of scholarships

•           Continued hosting of Tagai State College School students for participation in the school-to-work program

•           Continued hosting of state based traineeships

•           Further refinement and development of the Performance Management Program

•           Continued refinement of the Internal leadership program

•           Active promotion of employment in the Australian Public Service and TSRA in particular.

The TSRA also contributed to the Australian Public Service Commission’s State of the Service Report for 2007-2008 as well as a number of other reports required of various agencies.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL

The most meritorious award recipient of the TSRA Reward and Recognition program was nominated for a Public Service Medal this year. During the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours announcements in June, the Governor General announced Mr Damian Miley of the TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit as a recipient of this prestigious medal for outstanding public service in managing projects under the Land and Sea Management Strategy. Congratulations Damian.

PROGRAM DELIVERY

The TSRA appropriation in 2007-2008 was impacted by the Government’s efficiency dividend to the tune of $238,000. This resulted in $51,540,000 being available for the delivery of programs in the 2007-2008 financial year. In delivering these programs, the TSRA continued to create and foster strategic partnerships with Australian and Queensland Government Departments to ensure that a whole of government approach was used to improve the circumstances of Indigenous people living in the Torres Strait. The TSRA would like to thank those agencies that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to partner initiatives during the past year in all of our six output areas. We look forward to maintaining these productive working relationships into the new year and beyond.

The organisation’s program delivery structure is also being enhanced to allow the TSRA to deliver its programs more effectively into the future. This enhancement is underpinned by a program and project management capability which is set to be implemented throughout next year. It is being guided by the Managing Successful Programs methodology (created by the Office of Government Commerce in the UK) and will result in more effective monitoring and managing of performance, risks and benefits across the entire portfolio of projects.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BOARD

As in previous years, 2007-2008 has seen the TSRA Board and Administration successfully build on their cooperative working relationship to achieve the best outcomes for Indigenous people of the region. Special thanks are extended from the Administration to the retiring Board and we look forward to continue this successful relationship with the new Members and office holders over the next four years.

OUTLOOK FOR 2008-2009

In line with the TSRA Board’s directions, the Administration will focus on a number of key program and operational areas in the coming financial year. Some of the priority areas will be:

•           Accelerate regional economic and small business development

•           CDEP reform

•           Continued workforce capacity building

•           Improved whole of government planning and program delivery

•           Finalise the Torres Strait Sea Claim

•           Create Indigenous home ownership opportunities

•           Fisheries capacity building.

The following contains a summary of the TSRA’s activities in performing its functions under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC), the Public Service Act 1999, Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (ATSI) and various other public service initiatives and directives.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

AUDIT

The TSRA continued to be scrutinised by government audit agencies during the year and actively responded to deficiencies identified by audit agencies. We endeavour to continually improve the quality of administrative and program procedures.

Internal: The Board identified the benefits of appointing an accredited internal auditor and this was progressed throughout 2007-2008. The results of the process are expected to culminate in the appointment of a Head of Internal Audit early in the 2008-2009 year. The Office of Evaluation and Audit (OEA) continued to undertake performance audit services in accordance with Section 193W of The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Act 2005 (ATSI Act). The outcomes of the OEA audit highlighted the positive performance of all the program and administrative areas covered.

External: The audit of the 2007-2008 financial statements commenced after the reporting period in August 2007. HLB Mann Judd conducted the audit on behalf on the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), resulting in an unqualified audit opinion, as indicated by the delegate of the Auditor General, at the beginning of the Financial Statements.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The members of the Audit Committee who served since election in November 2004 and formed the committee for most of the 2007-2008 financial year were:

Mr Terry Waia, Member for Saibai Island
Mr Bill Shibasaki, Member for Port Kennedy
Mr Ted Billy, Member for Warraber Island.

The current TSRA Members elected to the Committee are:

Mr Phillip Mills, Chairperson of the TSRA Audit Committee and Member for Port Kennedy
Ms Napcia Bin Tahal, Member for Horn and Prince of Wales Islands
Mr Philemon Mosby, Member for Poruma
Mr John Roney, Independent Member.

I would like to express my appreciation to the previous members of the Audit Committee for their dedication and guidance on maintaining the integrity of Corporate Governance in the TSRA over the last four years.

Mr John Roney was appointed to the Audit Committee following a decision by the Board to appoint an independent member with appropriate technical skills, competencies, and an understanding of accounting and auditing standards in a public sector environment. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr Roney to the Committee and look forward to his direction as Chairperson in maintaining a high standard of Corporate Governance for the TSRA.

The Audit Committee is a crucial component of corporate governance and is fundamental to assisting myself and the Board to:

•           Ensure all key controls are operating effectively

•           Ensure all key controls are appropriate for achieving corporate goals and objectives

•           Meet statutory and fiduciary duties.

The Committee also assists the Administration and Board in corporate governance areas, particularly in regard to compliance with obligations under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.

During 2007-2008, the Audit Committee met twice:

•           25 September 2007

•           19 November 2007.

COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES AND COMPANIES ACT 1997 IMPROVED GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

The TSRA has progressed all recommendations from the Australian Government’s review of Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 agencies in 2006-2007 within the required timeframes. These best practice approaches have been incorporated into the organisation’s standard operation.

COMPLIANCE REPORT

In line with section 16(1)(c) of the CAC Act, the Finance Minister requires all Commonwealth Authorities to provide a Compliance Report on legislative compliance and financial sustainability. This is the second year of this requirement, which came into effect following the completion of the 2006-07 financial year. Last year the TSRA provided the Finance Minister and the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs a copy of this report and developed a comprehensive process for meeting the Compliance Report requirements. This process includes review points throughout the year to deliver the best possible outcome for this important report.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN

TSRA recognises the importance of robust business continuity practices to ensure the continued delivery of critical business activities in the event of a serious incident. During 2007-2008, we strengthened our approach through reviewing and updating our business continuity plan, integrating it into our IT service and undertaking a testing regime. We conducted a recovery test on several core administration systems and business services, some of which had not previously been tested. The exercise validated our business continuity strategies and provided a sound understanding of our capabilities.

Work also commenced on upgrading the IT section’s remote access systems. It will facilitate connectivity to our secure network and provide staff with the option of performing their duties from a remote location. This is a significant requirement given the remote location of the programs being delivered and will increase productivity for staff required to travel. Remote access also offers an option to support business continuity in the event of a disaster that prevents access to the TSRA offices.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The TSRA has not given any indemnity to current or former officers against a liability. It pays an annual premium for insurance to Comcover, which in some cases, namely professional indemnity, protects against current or former officers’ liability for legal costs. A TSRA Risk and Issue Management Framework and Toolkit was developed and implemented the throughout 2007-2008 in support of this key organisational activity.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority had a comprehensive Fraud Control Plan in place for 2007-2008 in accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines..

COLLECTIVE WORKPLACE AGREEMENT & INDIVIDUAL WORKPLACE AGREEMENTS

A number of staff are employed under the TSRA Collective Workplace Agreement 2006-2009. Negotiations for the next collective agreement are planned to commence early in 2009. As at 30 June 2008 there are 47 staff employed under individual Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs), which will serve their remaining terms before expiry, in line with the workplace relations changes.

In accordance with direction from Government, the TSRA ceased offering AWAs to staff as at 13 February 2008. The TSRA now offers Section 24(1) determinations when it is appropriate to supplement existing conditions which are included in the Collective Agreement in order to maintain competitiveness in the employment market.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Payroll

The HR and payroll company Frontier Software Pty Ltd provides software and support services so that TSRA can provide these services in-house.

Staff development and training

Staff attended various internal and external courses throughout the year including: Programme Management, Customer Service, Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Business Writing Skills, Time Management, Ergonomics, Superannuation, Payroll and Information Technology, and Cultural Awareness.

The TSRA has a policy of offering office administration traineeships each calendar year and made two placements
this year.

Leave records

All leave records are managed through the HR and payroll electronic system.

PROPERTY

The TSRA has an office accommodation usage of 994 square metres for 68 staff and the TSRA Chairperson, providing an average of 14.40 square metres per person.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)

The TSRA is an EEO employer and upholds the Australian Public Service Values. It 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 matters including, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Harassment Free Workplaces and Workplace Diversity. EEO statistical information is collected upon recruitment of all TSRA staff and provided to the APSC. The TSRA statistical data is set out in Appendix 4 (c).

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI)

A statement outlining the structure of the TSRA, as required under Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, can be found in Appendix 2. During the reporting period no FOI requests were received. No applications for Internal Review or applications to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a decision in relation to a request, was received.

INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY

TSRA fosters and promotes industrial democracy through regular management, section and staff meetings. As appropriate, it consults with employees on:

•           Major workplace changes

•           The development of guidelines and policies applying to employment conditions

•           Implementation of the Workplace Agreement.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OH&S)

The TSRA recognises its responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. The TSRA Management and staff cooperate on OH&S Policy and operational matters. Staff members are informed of the current issues and receive OH&S publications from Comcare. A trained Health and Safety Representative is in place as well as an OH&S Committee.

PRIVACY

For the reporting period, the Privacy Commissioner did not issue a report on the TSRA under Section 30 of the Privacy Act 1988 and no personal privacy complaints were made against the TSRA.

COMMONWEALTH DISABILITY STRATEGY

The TSRA is aware of and acknowledges the Commonwealth Disability Strategy which is a planning framework that assists agencies to ensure their policies, programs and services are accessible for people with disabilities.

CORPORATE DOCUMENTS

Between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, the TSRA finalised its 2006-2007 Annual Report. Additionally, the TSRA produced nine community newsletters (known as the TSRA News). This is a publication distributed throughout the Torres Strait region and Australian mainland via insertion in the local newspaper, the Torres News, and through the TSRA website. The aim of the publication is to inform people living in the Torres Strait and on the mainland of the TSRA’s goals, progress and achievements. It consists of articles and photographs specifically relating to the activities and achievements of the TSRA’s elected and administrative arms.

The TSRA continues to draw on the Torres Strait Development Plan. This plan is required under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005. A revised Torres Strait Development Plan for the four years 2005-2009 was developed and printed in 2005.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MINISTER

A federal election was held during the year resulting in a change of government to the Australian Labour Party. In the new Federal Cabinet, the Indigenous Affairs Portfolio operates under the umbrella of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FHCSIA). The Minister is the Hon. Jenny Macklin.

It is standard practice for the Chairperson and myself to meet with the Indigenous Affairs Minister each year to deliver an update on TSRA’s programs and services.

Throughout the year, we have maintained dialogue with the respective Ministers by providing regular briefs and correspondence to ensure commensurate expectations and vision for the organisation. We were visited by Australian and Queensland Government Ministers, parliamentarians and government representatives, including the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Secretary, Dr Jeff Harmer. The Hon Jim Lloyd, Australian Government Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, visited the region in July 2007 and the Queensland Government Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Seniors and Youth, the Hon Warren Pitt, visited the region in October 2007. The TSRA were also invited to meet with the Hon Sali Subam, Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, and PNG Member for South Fly (Western Province), in June this year.

In conclusion, the valuable work performed by the TSRA would not be possible without the commitment and professionalism of the TSRA staff and Board members. I would also like to thank our families who provide strong and important support for us all as the TSRA continues to make a difference for the people in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. I look forward to building on the TSRA’s successes and maintaining the productive relationships that the organisation has with a diverse and unique range of stakeholders during the coming year.