The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) recognises the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate. We acknowledge the past and present elders of all Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area and respect the culture and lore of all Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region.

The TSRA will always make every effort to respect Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people’s cultural sensitivities when featuring the images or names of people who have recently died. However, please be advised that this document may contain images of persons who have died after this Annual Report was prepared for tabling in Parliament in October 2017 and we offer our apologies for any distress caused if this occurs.

Copyright

© Commonwealth of Australia, 2017

ISSN 1324-163X

The Torres Strait Regional Authority has made all reasonable effort to:

clearly label material where the copyright is owned by a third party

ensure that the copyright owner has consented to the material being presented in this publication.

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International LicenceWith the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where otherwise noted, all material presented in this report is provided under a creative commons licence. Details of the licence can be found on the Creative Commons Australia website at http://creativecommons.org.au/learn/licences.

This document must be attributed as the Torres Strait Regional Authority Annual Report 2016-2017.

The TSRA’s contact officer for the 2016-2017 Annual Report is Ms Yoshiko Hirakawa, Acting Programme Manager Governance and Leadership. Telephone (07) 4069 0700 or email info@tsra.gov.au.

The TSRA Annual Report 2016-2017 is published on the TSRA website at www.tsra.gov.au in the following formats:

Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML)

Portable Document Format (PDF) ISO 32000-1:2008

ePub Electronic Publishing for eBook Readers.

VISION

Empowering our people,
in our decision,
in our culture,
for our future

Kala Lagau Ya

Ngalpun yagna kaaba woeydhay, a ngalpun muruygaw danalagan mabaygal kunakan palayk, bathayngaka

Meriam Mir

Buaigiz kelar obaiswerare, merbi mir apuge mena obakedi, muige merbi areribi tonarge, ko merbi keub kerkerem

Kala Kawau Ya

Ngalpan moebaygal thoepoeriwoeyamoeyn, ngalpan ya kuduthoeraynu, ngalpan igililmaypa, sepa setha wara goeygil sey boey wagel

The Indigenous people of the Torres Strait are of Aboriginal and Melanesian origin and speak two distinct traditional languages. In the Eastern Islands the traditional language is Meriam Mir, while the Western and Central Island groups speak either Kala Lagau Ya or Kala Kawau Ya, which are dialects of the same language. Torres Strait Creole and English are also spoken.

Our vision is expressed in the languages of our region, recognising the importance and diversity of our culture and traditional languages.

Our vision signifies that the heart of our region is our people, with culture an important part of our lives now and into the future. Empowering our people to contribute to and make decisions regarding their future ensures that our culture will remain strong and that the future will be guided by the people who live in the region and understand and promote its unique characteristics.

HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

TSRA Board Elections

The TSRA Board elections were conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission in July 2016. Of the 20 TSRA wards, six were uncontested and polling was conducted only in the remaining 14 wards. Three of the 20 members elected are women, and seven are serving their first term on the TSRA Board. A highlight of the TSRA election was the participation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) electoral officials as observers to see how the election was conducted and the logistics involved in successfully running an election in a remote area. They were able to draw on this experience when they conducted the PNG general elections in July 2017. Following the election and declaration of successful candidates, the TSRA conducted an intensive four-day Board induction programme where members familiarised themselves with the role of the Board and the TSRA’s programmes and legislative requirements.

Promoting and Advocating Critical Issues for the Region

At the first meeting of the new Board, the new TSRA Chairperson welcomed the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, and discussed key regional issues with him. Since that meeting, Minister Scullion has made several visits to the region and the Board is working with him to progress regional issues and challenges. In addition to the Minister’s visits, there were also high level meetings and deputations with various Australian and Queensland government ministers and heads of departments and with local mayors to discuss and work on important issues. More details on the number of high level meetings can be found in Section 2 of this report.

Minister Scullion has made several visits to the region and the Board is working with him to progress regional issues and challenges.

TSRA Regional Governance Committee

One of the priority areas identified by the TSRA Board is working towards achieving regional governance arrangements for the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. This has long been an aspiration of the region and its leadership and the Board recognises the need to develop an appropriate model that meets the needs of the region and its people. To progress regional governance, the Board has established a TSRA Regional Governance Committee made up of previous TSRA chairpersons on the current TSRA Board, including the Member for TRAWQ, the Member for Seisia, the Member for Port Kennedy (who is the current TSRA Chairperson) and the Member for Iama. The Committee is chaired by the Member for Iama.

INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS MINISTER SENATOR THE HON. NIGEL SCULLION GIVING A SPEECH AT THE MABO DECISION 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS ON MER.

Mabo Day Symposium and 25th Anniversary of High Court Mabo Decision

The Mer community celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision on 3 June 2017. To commemorate this significant occasion Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council and the TSRA (via its Native Title Office) co-convened the 25th Anniversary Mabo Day Symposium on Friday, 2 June 2017 on Mer (Murray Island). The 25th Anniversary Mabo Day Symposium was an opportunity for participants to reflect on the struggles of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples. Prominent legal professionals who have influenced the Native Title decision also participated in the symposium.

Northern Territory Government Visit

A ministerial party from the Northern Territory Government visited the TSRA to obtain information on the TSRA operations as the peak Indigenous Commonwealth body for the Torres Strait. The ministerial party included Mr Chanston Paech, Assistant Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ms Selena Uibo, Assistant Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Lawrence Costa, Assistant Minister for Remote Health Delivery and Homelands, Mr Peter Wellings, Policy Adviser, Office of the Chief Minister, Mr Andrew (Andy) Cowan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Department of the Chief Minister, Ms Bridgette Bellenger, Regional Network Leader, Department of the Chief Minister and Ms Mischa Cartwright, Executive Director, Office of Aboriginal Affairs. The ministerial party was impressed with the TSRA’s structure and the way in which the TSRA’s elected representatives set the strategic direction for the TSRA’s programmes, which is then implemented by the TSRA’s administration. The visit was an indication of the interest shown by other Indigenous regions of Australia in the TSRA model.

The ministerial party was impressed with the TSRA’s structure and the way in which the TSRA’s elected representatives set the strategic direction for the TSRA’s programmes.

TSRA CHAIRPERSON WITH THE NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT ASSISTANT MINISTERS MS SELENA UIBO, MR CHANSTON PAECH AND MR LAWRENCE COSTA DURING THEIR VISIT TO THE TSRA.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The TSRA welcomed the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Ms Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, to the region in March 2017. Ms Tauli-Corpuz visited the region as part of her fact-finding mission on the status of the human rights of Indigenous peoples in specific countries. The TSRA met with the Special Rapporteur and provided an update on the TSRA’s operations, including its delivery of programmes to address Indigenous disadvantage. The Special Rapporteur’s role is to identify and report on cases of alleged violations of the rights of Indigenous people and work with respective governments to address any violations that have been identified. Ms Tauli-Corpuz was impressed with the TSRA’s work; in particular, with the TSRA’s Torres Strait Development Plan, which is aligned with the articles under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

TSRA CHAIRPERSON WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, MS VICTORIA TAULI-CORPUZ.

Fisheries – Towards 100 Per Cent Ownership

The TSRA continued to work with key regional stakeholders and Traditional Inhabitants to progress 100 per cent ownership of the region’s fisheries for Traditional Inhabitants. Both the finfish and bêche-de-mer fisheries are already 100 per cent owned by Traditional Inhabitants, and in this reporting period, the TSRA purchased an additional two commercial tropical rock lobster licences, increasing the Traditional Inhabitant ownership to 62.54 per cent. The TSRA will continue to work with industry stakeholders and Traditional Inhabitants to increase their ownership of the region’s fisheries to 100 per cent.

Referendum Council Dialogue and Uluru Statement

The First Nations Regional Dialogue, hosted by the Referendum Council, was held on Thursday Island in May 2017. Topics discussed included the history of advocacy for reform; options for constitutional reform, next steps; and selection of delegates from the Torres Strait region for the First Nations National Constitutional Convention in Uluru. The priorities from each of the First Nations dialogues conducted across Australia were reported to the convention at Uluru on 24-26 May 2017. At the convention, delegates adopted the ‘Uluru Statement’ which called for the establishment of a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations that includes truth-telling about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history.

TSRA CHAIRPERSON WITH QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS THE HON. MARK FURNER AND MEMBER FOR LEICHHARDT THE HON. WARREN ENTSCH AT THE SAIBAI SEAWALL OPENING.

Saibai Seawall

The Saibai seawall project was completed in 2016-2017 and opened by the Member for Leichhardt, the Hon. Warren Entsch, and the Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, the Hon. Mark Furner. The TSRA Chairperson and the Mayor of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council joined Mr Entsch and Mr Furner for the opening. The people of Saibai have been lobbying for many years for adequate protection from sea level rise and coastal inundation and the new seawall represents a major achievement for the people of Saibai and the local leaders who worked tirelessly to secure Australian and Queensland government commitment for the project. The seawall is forecast to protect Saibai from inundation for 50 years.

The people of Saibai have been lobbying for many years for adequate protection from sea level rise and coastal inundation and the new seawall represents a major achievement for the people of Saibai and the local leaders.

Torres Strait Language Symposium

The second Torres Strait Language Symposium was held at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island. The theme for the symposium was Keriba mirgiz ermeuku/Ngalpun ney koey mapulnga ‘Our Languages Matter’. This event was hosted by the TSRA in partnership with Tagai State College and brought together key stakeholders from across the Torres Strait region to build on the outcomes from the first symposium.

One of the outcomes of the inaugural language symposium was the development of a language plan, and delegates at the second symposium worked on how the objectives identified in the language plan could be achieved.

Torres Strait Treaty Cycle Meetings

The bilaterial Torres Strait Treaty Cycle Meetings were hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Thursday Island in November 2016. The treaty meetings between Australia and PNG are attended by Australian and PNG representatives, including Traditional Inhabitants of the Torres Strait and the Western Province of PNG. The series of meetings include the Traditional Inhabitants Meeting and the Joint Advisory Council. Key bilateral meetings were also held as part of the Torres Strait Treaty Cycle Meetings – these include the Fisheries Bilateral, the Environmental Management Committee and the Health Issues Committee. The treaty meetings are vital to ensure open dialogue and agreement between Australia and PNG on a wide range of cross-border matters affecting the Torres Strait region.

Regional Economic Investment Strategy

The TSRA successfully rolled out phase one of the Regional Economic Investment Strategy (REIS), which was specifically aimed at fisheries. The fisheries growth packages provide a combination of low interest business loans, professional business support and grant funding for eligible applicants. Four Fisheries Business Growth Package applications were received in the reporting period. The second phase of the REIS will target arts, crafts and creative industries and this will be implemented in the 2017-2018 financial year.

The additional licence purchases in the Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery will increase economic development opportunities for local Indigenous fishermen.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Opportunities

Improving Telecommunication Services in the Torres Strait

The TSRA engaged at the Commonwealth, state and local government levels to raise the required capital for a proposed telecommunications network infrastructure upgrade. The TSRA and Telstra finalised an $8.26 million agreement to commence works on the first stage of the $22.76 million Torres Strait network infrastructure upgrade project. The project is the first phase of a long-term commitment by the TSRA, Telstra, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Torres Strait Island Regional Council and the Queensland State Government, to expand high-speed fixed and mobile communications infrastructure to the Torres Strait.

Significant Events Funding Stream

In 2016-2017, the TSRA trialled a new funding stream that specifically targets significant regional events. The significant events funding stream was included as an additional stream in the TSRA common funding round to increase available funding opportunities for organisations and community groups hosting significant regional events. Each year significant events are celebrated throughout the region and a major challenge for local community groups is securing adequate funding to successfully host those events. In 2016-2017, a number of major milestones were celebrated, including the 25th anniversary of the High Court Mabo decision, the 25th anniversary of the raising of the Torres Strait flag and the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. The significant events funding stream will now be included in the TSRA’s common funding round process.

Torres Strait Fisheries

The TSRA purchased two transferrable vessel holder tropical rock lobster licences in the reporting period, increasing the Traditional Inhabitant share of the fishery to 62.54 per cent. The TSRA continued to work closely with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Traditional Inhabitant fishing sector to progress increased ownership of the tropical rock lobster fishery. The TSRA has also secured a funding commitment from the Australian Government to progress further licence purchases in 2017-2018. More information on the tropical rock lobster fishery can be found in Section 2 of this report.

TSRA Ranger Compliance Powers

TSRA rangers carry out various duties under the Working on Country initiative, including monitoring the traditional take of turtle and dugong in their individual communities. Community-based turtle and dugong management plans have been developed in 14 communities and one of the challenges around implementing the plans is that rangers do not have legislative compliance powers to issue permits or penalties. To address this, the TSRA has been working with key stakeholders such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to provide training in basic compliance. In 2016-2017, 50 TSRA rangers undertook basic compliance training (‘eyes and ears’ training), with 40 progressing to the Certificate IV in Government Investigations. The TSRA will continue to work with key government and community stakeholders in 2017-2018 to further progress compliance powers for the rangers.

In 2016-2017, 50 TSRA rangers undertook basic compliance training (‘eyes and ears’ training), with 40 progressing to the Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

Challenges

Geography

The geography of the Torres Strait area will always present a challenge for the delivery of services and infrastructure. With island communities spread across approximately 44,000 kilometres of sea, the costs of delivering services and infrastructure by air and sea are significantly higher than in most other parts of Australia. Those costs have a major impact on the implementation and timing of programmes, services and projects in the Torres Strait.

Land Tenure

Land tenure arrangements in the Torres Strait are complex and present challenges for investment and growth in the region. The region has a combination of freehold, Torres Strait freehold, Native Title, Deeds of Grant in Trust, and Katter Leases. Some businesses and individuals hold leases under a range of legislative instruments. However, only a few businesses or individuals can utilise land as security for borrowing. Addressing the complex land tenure arrangements in the region will increase opportunities for economic growth.

High Cost of Air Travel and Freight

The high costs of air travel and transportation of freight in the Torres Strait continue to impact on economic growth, tourism and the delivery of programmes and services in the region. For example, the delivery of services to the outer Torres Strait islands may not be as timely or effective as in other Indigenous regions. Therefore, positive initiatives such as subsidised transportation and freight and airfare costs are required to mitigate those significant costs.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications in the Torres Strait is both a challenge and an opportunity. As noted under Opportunities, the TSRA, in partnership with Telstra, is working on a staged project to address telecommunications and mobile network issues in the region. Until the project is completed, the region will continue to experience mobile network drop-offs, black spots and unreliable internet and mobile reception. For example, at present a number of outer Torres Strait island communities can only use landlines, which can sometimes be unreliable. Agencies like the TSRA are exploring alternative options such as the installation of repeaters and antennas for their staff and Board members based in affected communities.

Integrated Service Delivery

Since the local government and Queensland Government elections in 2016, there has been a change in personnel in the Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) governance framework. This has had an impact on ISD coordination, with operational activities limited to updating a small number of ISD community booklets. The TSRA will review and re-establish the ISD governance framework in 2017-2018 and update the remaining ISD community booklets as part of that process. A key challenge is securing a commitment from Commonwealth, state and local government departments operating in the region to treat ISD as core business.

CONTENTS

Vision

Torres Strait Region

Highlights and Achievements

Opportunities and Challenges

Letter of Transmittal

Section 1 Strategic Overview

Chairperson’s Message

Chief Executive Officer’s Message

SECTION 2 Programme Performance

How We Meet Our Outcomes

Outcomes and Planned Performance

Integrated Planning Framework

Summary of Financial Performance

Annual Performance Statements

Introductory Statement

Purpose

Results for Key Performance Indicators and Analysis

Programme Reports

Economic Development

Fisheries

Culture, Art and Heritage

Native Title

Environmental Management

Governance and Leadership

Healthy Communities

Safe Communities

Section 3 Report of Operations

Where We Operate

Geography and Logistics

Culture

History

Native Title

Progress towards Closing the Gap

COAG Building Blocks

Regional Statistics

How the TSRA Operates

Formation

Enabling Legislation

Functions

Powers

Responsible Minister

Ministerial Directions

Statement of Expectations and Statement of Intent

Ministerial Appointments

Briefings and Information

Section 4 Corporate Governance and Accountability

Governance Structure

Governance Framework

TSRA Board

Executive Committee

Other Committees

Enabling Functions

Information Management and Technology

Environmental Sustainability

Risk Management

Accountability

Human Resources

Other Reportable Matters

Section 5 Financial Statements

Independent Auditor's Report

Statement by the Accountable Authority, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer

Primary Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

Section 6 Appendices

Appendix 1: Organisational Structure

Appendix 2: Advertising and Market Research

Appendix 3: Grants

Appendix 4: Consultants

Section 7 Compliance Index

Corporate Commonwealth Entity Compliance

Section 8 Aids to Access

List of Tables

List of Figures

Abbreviations

Index

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

Chairperson’s Message

Introduction

As the incoming Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson, I am pleased to present the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s 2016-2017 Annual Report. Since the 2016 election of the TSRA Board, all Board members and the administration have worked progressively to achieve the best outcomes for communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. This Annual Report outlines the work that has progressed as well as some of the TSRA’s achievements and challenges over the past year.

Native Title – 25th Anniversary of the Mabo Decision

3 June 2017 marked a very significant occasion for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, being the 25th anniversary of the landmark High Court decision in Mabo v Queensland (No 2). The Mabo Case, as it was known, has been an inspiration for Indigenous people around the world. This very significant decision has been the platform for other Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people throughout Australia to secure Native Title rights and interests over their lands and seas.

The TSRA, through its Native Title Office, was pleased to support the milestone anniversary at Mer, the birthplace of Mabo. Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation and Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council hosted the Native Title Symposium that reflected on the achievements and challenges of Native Title in the region over the past 25 years.

The symposium at Mer was followed by the National Native Title Conference in Townsville.

The TSRA will continue to assist Traditional Owners to secure legal recognition of Native Title to land and waters in the Torres Strait. We will continue to support Prescribed Bodies Corporate in the post-determination era to strive for economic independence and work with Traditional Owners to obtain appropriate compensation for the use of Native Title land in our region.

TSRA Board Elections

The TSRA Board elections were gazetted by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, for polling on 30 July 2016. The elections were conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission for the 20 TSRA wards. It was pleasing to see increased interest and higher levels of participation among candidates and voters throughout the Torres Strait region. Six TSRA wards were uncontested and the Australian Electoral Commission conducted polling in the remaining 14 wards.

MABO CASE LAWYER GREG MCINTYRE QC, TSIRC COUNCILLOR BOB KAIGEY, INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS MINISTER SENATOR THE HON. NIGEL SCULLION, ELDER BEIMOP TAPIM, TSRA MEMBER FOR IAMA GETANO LUI AND THE TSRA CHAIRPERSON.

I congratulate all new and returning Members of the TSRA Board, who will serve to 2020. I also take this opportunity to thank the previous TSRA Board, including Chairperson, Mr Joseph Elu, for the significant progress achieved in its term for our communities.

The current Board will build on and progress the foundations of our past Boards and work towards best outcomes for the region.

TSRA Board Induction Programme

Following the elections, the TSRA Board members undertook an intensive four-day induction programme on Thursday Island in August 2016. The induction programme introduced Board members to the TSRA and helped familiarise them with the legislation that guides the TSRA. The programme allowed members to prepare themselves for their key governance roles and to learn about Board functions and processes.

TSRA Regional Governance Committee

At its December 2016 Board meeting, the TSRA Board recognised the need to develop a regional governance model suitable for the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region. A committee was formed consisting of the TSRA members for Iama, Seisia and TRAWQ and myself. A key task of the committee was to engage with Australian, Queensland and local government stakeholders and establish a committee to determine a governance model for the region.

TSRA CHAIRPERSON AND TSRA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CATCH UP WITH ELDERS DURING THEIR VISIT TO ST PAULS COMMUNITY.

Community Engagement

One of my first undertakings after being elected was to visit Torres Strait communities. The Chief Executive Officer and I have been working on a community engagement cycle and I have been pleased to undertake visits to Mabuyag, Hammond, Saibai, Boigu, St Pauls, Badu and Warraber. Those visits by the CEO and me have enabled us to share information about the TSRA and provided an opportunity for Board members and community groups to raise community and regional issues with us.

Over the upcoming year, I will continue to visit Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area communities with the CEO.

TSRA Board Strategic Workshops

In 2016-2017, the TSRA Board held two strategic workshops. At the November 2016 workshop, the Board considered the next Torres Strait Development Plan, covering the period 2019 to 2022, and its priorities for the next four years. At the second workshop, in May 2017, the Board considered how the priorities it had identified in the earlier workshop would be developed and included in the TSRA programmes.

Building Leadership Capacity

In 2016-2017, the TSRA continued to develop the leadership capacity of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region. The partnership between the TSRA and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation continued to grow and emerging leaders were sponsored through the Australian Rural Leadership Programme, the Training Rural Australians in Leadership programme, the Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Programme and the Torres Strait Young Leaders Programme.

During the local government and TSRA elections in 2016, it was very pleasing to see that a number of participants who had been supported in the leadership courses were candidates in the elections. Others have progressed their career paths in industries they are passionate about. It is encouraging to see these outcomes as participants grow, build their networks and become role models for others in their communities.

Maintaining Our Culture

In February 2017, the TSRA launched the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan 2016-2019 and the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Charter at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, followed in May by the Torres Strait Language Symposium, where the region engaged with local, national and international presenters. The Torres Strait Language Reference Group was dissolved at the end of the symposium and a new Torres Strait Traditional Language Advisory Committee was established to continue with the development of a regional languages centre and the delivery of languages initiatives. I wish to acknowledge all key partners, stakeholders and community representatives for their ongoing contribution towards revitalising our traditional languages.

Acknowledgement

Looking back over the past year, the incoming Board and the administration of the TSRA have worked diligently to set the strategic direction and achieve the best possible outcomes for the people living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region.

I sincerely thank my fellow Board members for their valuable contributions, having the hard debates and making the hard decisions for the best outcomes on the challenging issues. The hard work of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wayne See Kee, and the administration is also gratefully acknowledged. The combined efforts of the Board and administration contribute to positive outcomes being delivered in our communities.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge our Elders, Traditional Owners, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, local government officials and councillors for the support and hospitality provided to me and the TSRA administration in the delivery of our services throughout the region.

I express my gratitude to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, and to Australian, Queensland and local government ministers and agencies for their ongoing support to the TSRA and the Torres Strait to ensure that the region continually grows in strength.

Napau Pedro Stephen AM
Chairperson

Chief Executive Officer’s Message

Delivering Outcomes

The TSRA has continued to deliver programmes and implement policies and projects to achieve the targeted outcomes identified in the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018.

Community Engagement

As part of the TSRA’s commitment to engage with our communities, the TSRA Chairperson and I completed visits to seven communities as part of our engagement programme. Those engagement visits will continue in 2017-2018, as we aim to visit all communities in the region. Community engagement visits by TSRA programme areas at the operational level will continue in the coming financial year. These visits are conducted by TSRA project staff to work with their clients and review the status of TSRA projects and initiatives.

New Grant Management System Implemented

In the reporting period, the TSRA completed its transition to a new grant management system. All TSRA grants are now being administered through the new system, called Smarty Grants. The new system has features that will enable the TSRA to streamline and improve its grant management processes. A key component of the new system is the ability for applicants to submit electronic grant applications directly into the system, as well as financial and performance reports to meet grant reporting requirements. This feature will be further developed in 2017-2018 along with some process refinements and will go live once the TSRA is satisfied that grant applicants and clients in the Torres Strait region have the capacity and technology (i.e. reliable internet connections) to be able to submit online.

Significant Events Funding Stream

The TSRA introduced a new stream into its common funding round that specifically targets significant milestone events in the region. This year was a significant year for the Torres Strait, with the 25th anniversary of the historic Mabo decision and 25th anniversary of the raising of the Torres Strait flag. On a national level, Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. A number of events were held throughout the region to celebrate those important milestones, and the significant events funding stream was introduced to create a specific avenue for funding support for them. The significant events funding stream will now form part of the TSRA’s future common funding rounds.

AUSTRALIAN AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA REPRESENTATIVES AT THE TORRES STRAIT TREATY TRADITIONAL INHABITANTS MEETING.

Economic Development

During the reporting period, the TSRA completed the first phase of its Regional Economic Investment Strategy (REIS), which specifically targeted the fisheries industry. The second phase of the REIS is aimed at arts and creative industries and was launched at the end of the reporting period for implementation in 2017-2018. This new approach to economic development in the region has created more opportunities for local business owners to tap into initiatives and support that were previously not available. The initiative caters for different levels of business maturity and can assist people who are starting a business for the first time or people already in business who would like to grow their enterprise. More information on the REIS can found in Section 2 of this report.

Work Health and Safety

In the reporting period the TSRA continued to maintain and meet its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth). The TSRA has in place an active Work Health and Safety Committee with representation from all of TSRA’s designated work groups. In 2016-2017, there were five notifications made to Comcare under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth). More details on work health and safety can be found in Section 4 of this report.

Local Government Memorandum of Understanding

During the reporting period, the TSRA formally executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Torres Shire Council and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. The MOU and MOA formalise the partnership between the TSRA and the two local governments and ensure that we work together in a spirit of cooperation when implementing policies, programmes and initiatives in the two local government areas.

Our Workforce

At a Glance

The TSRA workforce has increased from 152 to 159 since the previous reporting period. Of this number, 120 are Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people. The TSRA has one of the highest percentages of Indigenous employment (75 per cent) of any government entity. This is an achievement we are proud of. The TSRA also maintains a good gender balance, with 80 males and 79 females in its workforce.

Opportunities

The TSRA continues to provide internal opportunities for the training and development of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal staff to increase their capacity and skills so they can apply for higher level positions not only in the TSRA but across the Australian Public Service. The TSRA also provides external opportunities and support for local community members through our leadership capacity building initiatives and Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme, which targets university students from the region. More information on these initiatives can be found in Section 2 of this report.

The TSRA has one of the highest percentages of Indigenous employment (75 per cent) of any government entity.

Outlook

Financial

The TSRA has secured a budget appropriation that will enable it to maintain the existing programmes and service levels in the region in the coming financial year. The TSRA has also secured external non-appropriation funding for specific initiatives such as further purchases of tropical rock lobster licences held by the transferrable vessel holder sector of the fishery. Details on the TSRA’s financial performance over the reporting period are contained in Section 5 of this report.

Torres Strait Development Plan

The new TSRA Board will be working closely with the administration to develop the new Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022 in the coming 2017-2018 financial year. The new development plan will replace the existing Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 when it expires in 2018. A series of workshops were held in the reporting period to develop the Board’s priorities for inclusion in the new development plan. Programme mandates for TSRA programmes were also developed as part of the process, and these will feed into the new Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022.

TSRA CHAIRPERSON AND TSRA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CATCH UP WITH ELDER MR NELSON BILLY DURING THEIR VISIT TO WARRABER COMMUNITY.

Acknowledgement

I am proud of the achievements and progress we have made throughout the reporting period and look forward to working with the new Board in continuing to build on our achievements in the coming year. The main sections of the report provide further details of our activities and achievements, including case studies from each of the TSRA programme areas.

In closing, I express my appreciation and thanks to the incoming TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, and the new TSRA Board, who guide the TSRA’s policies and strategic direction. My appreciation is also extended to the TSRA staff and our partner agencies across all levels of government who have worked with the TSRA to contribute to achieving the best outcomes for Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area communities.

I also acknowledge the Elders, Traditional Owners, Registered Native Title Prescribed Bodies Corporate, local government councillors and communities of the region for the support and hospitality extended to the TSRA when we visit your communities.

Wayne See Kee
Chief Executive Officer

How We Meet Our Outcomes

Outcomes and Planned Performance

This section provides details of performance against the key performance indicators contained in the TSRA Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-2017.

This is followed by additional reporting on other activities undertaken by the TSRA’s programme areas:

Economic Development

Fisheries

Culture, Art and Heritage

Native Title

Environmental Management

Governance and Leadership

Healthy Communities

Safe Communities.

Each programme report provides the following information:

a statement of the regional goal, programme outcomes and projects and initiatives set out in the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018

a summary of expenditure

a summary of performance.

The Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 was developed by the TSRA as required by section 142D of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth). The plan outlines eight TSRA programmes, listing the desired outcomes and benefits to be delivered. The Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 is published on the TSRA website (www.tsra.gov.au).

The Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 is derived directly from the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan 2009-2029. The regional plan was developed by the TSRA, the Torres Shire Council, the Torres Strait Island Regional Council and the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, in consultation with Torres Strait communities. The regional plan captures community challenges, priorities and aspirations. A key element of the regional plan is its focus on integrated development planning and Integrated Service Delivery. This process aims to coordinate the effective delivery of a range of government services to local communities while ensuring that duplication and service gaps are minimised.

Integrated Planning Framework

Summary of Financial Performance

Appropriation programme expenditure

A summary of the TSRA’s financial performance for each programme area for 2016-2017 is provided in Table 2-1.

Further information about programme income and expenditure, including notes on variances, is detailed in the financial statements, which are in Section 5 of this report.

Table 2-1 Appropriation programme expenditure, budget compared to actual, 2016-2017

Programme

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

Economic Development

5,385

4,975

(410)

Fisheries

2,481

2,706

225

Culture, Art and Heritage

4,441

4,540

99

Native Title

4,114

4,365

251

Environmental Management

4,926

4,531

(395)

Governance and Leadership

4,909

4,777

(132)

Healthy Communities

6,218

6,249

31

Safe Communities

4,519

4,822

303

Total

36,993

36,965

(28)

Note: The total variance represents 0.08 per cent of budget.

External funding programme expenditure

Five programmes received external funding, as detailed in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2 External funding programme expenditure, budget compared to actual, 2016-2017

Programme

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

Culture, Art and Heritage

475

472

3

Environmental Management

10,636

10,531

105

Fisheries

7,000

3,200

3,800

Healthy Communities

7,500

7,500

0

Native Title Office

500

293

207

Total

26,111

21,996

4,115

Annual Performance Statements

Introductory Statement

The TSRA Board, as the accountable authority of the TSRA, presents the 2016-2017 annual performance statements of the TSRA, as required under section 39(1)(a) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth). In the Board’s opinion, these annual performance statements accurately reflect the performance of the TSRA and comply with section 39(2) of the Act.

Napau Pedro Stephen AM
Chairperson

Purpose

The purpose of the TSRA is encapsulated in the agency’s single outcome statement:

Progress towards Closing the Gap for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait area through development planning, coordination, sustainable resource management, and preservation and promotion of Indigenous culture.

Results for Key Performance Indicators and Analysis

Increase in the number of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal owned commercially viable businesses

In 2016-2017, two new Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal businesses were supported through a concessional business loan. In the same period business mentoring and support was provided to six clients.

Table 2-3 Number and value of concessional business loans

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Loans

3

5

1

2

Amount

$114,909

$928,213

$20,628

$162,000

Increased availability of approved business training

In 2016–2017, the TSRA continued to provide face-to-face business training through the delivery of Into Business Workshops.

In 2016-2017, a total of 110 participants attended Into Business Workshops. Post-course surveys indicate a very high level of participant satisfaction with the workshops.

Table 2-4 Into Business Workshops participation

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Courses

6

2

16

18

Participants

24

17

79

110

Increase in catches by Torres Strait and Aboriginal Fishers relative to total allowable catch, strengthening claims for increased ownership

Progress against this indicator cannot be accurately quantified as the requirement to report catch is not mandatory for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal fishers in the region. Therefore comprehensive data to measure tangible outcomes under this indicator does not yet exist. There are ongoing discussions within the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) to identify and implement a more robust system of data collection, however, this is likely to be a medium- to long-term outcome and remains a challenge for the TSRA and the PZJA.

The best available data can be obtained from the Fisheries Status Reports 2017, produced by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences. Information provided in tables 2-5 to 2-8 is based on this report.

Table 2-5 Tropical rock lobster catch statistics

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

Tropical rock lobster (tonnes)

149

174

207

Notes:

Fishery statistics are provided by fishing season, unless otherwise indicated. Fishing season is 1 December to 30 September. Catch reporting for the Traditional Inhabitant Boat sector is not mandatory and therefore actuals for any year may be higher than reported. The figures are preliminary estimates at the time of printing and are likely to be updated in future editions of this publication. Catch data for 2016-2017 was not available at the time of printing.

Table 2-6 Finfish fisheries catch statistics for Traditional Inhabitant Boat licensees

Year

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Finfish (coral trout and Spanish mackerel) (tonnes)

<1

<1

2

Notes:

Fishery statistics are provided by fishing season, unless otherwise indicated. Fishing season is 1 July to 30 June. Catch reporting for the Traditional Inhabitant Boat sector is not mandatory and therefore actuals for any year may be higher than reported. The figures are preliminary estimates at time of printing and are likely to be updated in future editions of this publication.

Table 2-7 Bêche-de-mer catch statistics for Traditional Inhabitant Boat licensees

Year

2014

2015

2016

Bêche-de-mer (tonnes)

49

71

14

Notes:

Fishery statistics are provided by fishing season, unless otherwise indicated. Fishing season is 1 January to 31 December. Catch reporting for the Traditional Inhabitant Boat sector is not mandatory and therefore actuals for any year may be higher than reported. The figures are preliminary estimates at time of printing and are likely to be updated in future editions of this publication.

The percentage ownership of Torres Strait Commercial Fisheries by Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people in the region

This new indicator was introduced in the Portfolio Budget Statements for 2016-2017.

Table 2-8 Percentage of Torres Strait commercial fishery ownership, 2016-2017

Fishery

Ownership percentage

Tropical rock lobster

63

Finfish

100

Bêche-de-mer

100

Prawn

Nil

Increase in the number of emerging and professionally active artists and cultural practitioners that have access to information and support to ensure copyright and intellectual property rights

The TSRA conducted the annual Artist Forum in June 2017. The forum covered a wide range of topics covering resilience and confidence, developing a capability statement, service agreements including copyright, communication, registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and registering with Supply Nation.

Table 2-9 Active artists and cultural practitioners

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Active artists

100

110

117

151

Cultural practitioners

77

80

90

85

Number of Native Title claims successfully determined

The Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) in the Torres Strait is operating predominantly in a post-determination environment with 29 Native Title claims successfully determined as at 30 June 2017. The claims currently being determined within the region are:

QUD6040/2001 Torres Strait Regional Sea Claim (Part B)

QUD6005/2002 Warral and Ului

QUD266/2008 Kaurareg People #1

QUD267/2008 Kaurareg People #2

QUD362/2010 Kaurareg People #3.

Of the 205 Future Acts notices received, responses have been provided to 178.

Table 2-10 Key Native Title Representative Body results

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Active Native Title claims under consideration

3

2

5

5

Future Acts notices received

64

85

66

205

Number of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) that have compensation or other benefits as part of ILUA terms

There were seven ILUAs registered with the National Native Title Tribunal in 2016-2017.

Native Title compensation matters are on hold pending the outcomes of the Timber Creek test case. The Timber Creek case is historical as this will be the first time the courts will set a precedent on how to compensate loss of Native Title land.

Table 2-11 Number of Indigenous Land Use Agreements finalised

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

ILUA finalised

4

12

11

7

Number of endorsed community based management plans for the natural and cultural resources of the region being actively implemented

Dugong and turtle management plans are in place for each outer island community and are being implemented by communities with the support of TSRA. The plans integrate traditional use and contemporary science and management approaches to support the sustainable management of dugong and turtle across the region. A dugong and turtle management plan and permitting regime for the Kaiwalagal region is under development by Traditional Owners with support from the TSRA.

Working on Country Plans are also in place for all communities and these were developed in partnership with key stakeholder groups in the individual communities.

Table 2-12 Community-based management plans

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Management plans

32

32

32

32

Increase the level of engagement of elected Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal leaders in policy development and decision-making

The primary indicator of the level of engagement is the number of meetings between the elected members of the TSRA and government ministers. This includes engagements by the TSRA Chairperson and Board Members during visits to Canberra, and also engagements with ministers with the TSRA Board during visits by ministers to the region. In this reporting period, there have been 41 high-level engagements with Queensland Government and Australian Government ministers and senior government officials.

Table 2-13 High-level engagements by TSRA Board Members

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Engagements

29

35

36

41

Number of PBCs that achieve Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) compliance as at 31 December each year

All 21 regional Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) have met the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations compliance requirements. Two PBCs have maintained a level of capacity which has reduced their dependency on grant funding by operating on a fee-for-service cost-recovery model.

Table 2-14 Prescribed Bodies Corporate compliance results

Year

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

Compliance

20 of 20

21 of 21

21 of 21

21 of 21

Increased investment into new and existing regional environmental health infrastructure

The TSRA successfully secured Queensland Government and Australian Government infrastructure funding for Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme. There will be 12 projects delivered under Stage 6 and TSRA will work continue to work closely with the region’s local government bodies and other key stakeholders in the coming financial year to deliver these projects. Water security for the region will be the major focus of MIP 6.

Improve regional environmental health, telecommunications and marine infrastructure

The TSRA has secured Australian Government and Queensland Government funding for the delivery of Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme. Twelve projects will be delivered under Stage 6.

In the reporting period, the TSRA and Telstra finalised an $8.26 million agreement to commence works on the first stage of the $22.76 million Torres Strait network infrastructure upgrade project. The project is the first phase of a long-term commitment to expanding high-speed fixed and mobile communications infrastructure to the Torres Strait. Stage one works are well underway and will continue in 2017-2018.

In 2016-2017, the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme delivered a schedule of works covering land, sea and air transport infrastructure on Torres Strait outer island communities. Marine infrastructure works included barge ramp repairs for Moa, Dauan, Masig and Hammond.

The TSRA and the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads have also contributed funding in 2016-2017 towards the upgrade of the wharf infrastructure on Hammond Island and works are set to commence in 2017-2018.

Economic Development

Regional Goal

Enhance our region’s wealth by creating sustainable industries and increasing employment opportunities for our people equivalent to the wider Australian community.

Programme Outcomes

Increased capability of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region to manage commercially viable businesses.

Improved access to capital and other opportunities to finance commercially viable businesses.

Increased number of commercially viable businesses owned and or operated by Torres Strait and Aboriginal people in the region.

Improved wealth of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region.

Projects and Initiatives

Concessional home loans.

Concessional business loans.

Business training.

Business support services.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-15 Economic Development Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

5,385

4,975

(410)

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Business mentoring support

Business mentoring support was provided to six clients in 2016-2017 to assist them with organisational capacity building. Throughout the year, the TSRA promoted the benefits of the business support standing panel to stakeholders, resulting in an increase in the number of clients accessing the service.

Ten business owners were supported to attend conferences for professional development and to build business networks. Six attended the Indigenous Economic Development Conference and four attended Supply Nation Connect 2017. This represents a 100 per cent increase in the number of clients supported, compared to five in 2015-2016.

Community Development Programme agreement management

In July 2017, there were 965 Community Development Programme (CDP) job seekers. This represents a fall of 252 job seekers when compared to 2015-2016. During 2016-2017, 299 job seekers transitioned into paid employment. The regional employment target was exceeded in each reporting period in 2016-2017.

Economic Development Investment Strategy

The Torres Strait Regional Economic Investment Strategy was launched in October 2016.

The strategy supports three focal industries: Fisheries; Arts and Creative Industries; and Tourism.

As part of the strategy, the Fisheries Business Growth Package was launched. The package provides a combination of low-interest business loans, professional business support and grant funding for eligible applicants. Four Fisheries Business Growth Package applications were received.

The Arts and Creative Industries Business Growth Package was completed and will be launched in July 2017, followed by the Tourism Business Growth Package in 2018.

Into Business Workshops

Six series of Into Business Workshops were delivered (comprising workshops A, B and C); 110 participants attended the workshops and 25 participants completed the workshop series. This represents an increase in the number of workshop series offered, when compared to 2015-2016.

Torres Strait Maritime Pathways Project

The Torres Strait Maritime Pathways Project (TSMPP) aims to enhance the skills and capability of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, residing within the Torres Strait region, to operate commercial vessels and create maritime career pathways in related industries.

61 participants completed (62 commenced) Shipboard Safety Skill Set training

68 participants completed marine radio training

76 participants completed first aid training

53 participants completed (56 commenced) the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)

42 participants completed (45 commenced) the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)

10 participants completed (11 commenced) the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal)

24 participants completed a wild harvest dive course.

Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime project

The Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime project is delivered in partnership with the TSRA, Tagai State College, TAFE North Queensland, and the community development provider My Pathway. The project targets years 11 and 12 students at Tagai State College and builds their capability to utilise the region’s commercial maritime resources and prepares them for a smooth transition from school to work.

From 1 July 2016 to 30 December 2016:

eight students completed the Coxswains Certificate II (Grade 2 Near Coastal)

11 students completed the Certificate II (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)

15 students completed first aid courses

15 students completed shipboard safety skills set training

15 students completed the Certificate I Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand)

15 students completed the Marine Radio Operations (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency).

Six of those students transitioned into employment upon completion of Year 12.

From 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017, a new cohort of students commenced the Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime project. The cohort of 14 Year 11 students and 14 Year 12 students commenced:

the Coxswains Certificate II (Grade 2 Near Coastal)

the Certificate II (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)

first aid training

shipboard safety skills set training

the Certificate I Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand)

the Marine Radio Operations (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency).

Home Ownership Programme

No home loans were approved in 2016-2017. Complex land tenure arrangements in the Torres Strait continue to make it difficult for loan applicants to provide appropriate security for loans in Deed of Grant in Trust and reserve communities.

A funding agreement between the TSRA and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) was finalised in February 2017. Under the agreement the TSRA provides funds to IBA to write home loans for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.

Tourism

The Torres Shire Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council were funded for event manager positions. The funding has been provided for three years to allow for employment certainty and longer term planning.

The Torres Shire Council was funded to undertake a scoping study into the feasibility of building a tourism information centre on Thursday Island.

Website redesign

The Economic Development Programme area of the TSRA website has undergone further improvement to enhance the user experience. The website now includes additional online applications, up-to-date information from across government and the private sector and a modified online product selector tool.

Employment and training projects

There were two employment and training projects in 2016-2017: the Mentors project and the Conservation and Land Management (CALM) project.

The Mentors project provided tailored assistance to support participation in the My Pathway and TSRA employment and training projects.

Two mentors were employed in 2016-2017:

one mentor supported the four CALM trainees

one mentor worked with Tagai State College students and families to assist with school attendance and career planning.

The TSRA in partnership with the Torres Shire Council and My Pathway implemented the CALM project.

Four CDP job seekers moved into paid traineeships and commenced a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.

Further employment and training projects are planned, including for the development of:

the Thursday Island multipurpose courts

St Pauls, Kubin and Mabuyag community halls

the Thursday Island cycleway

the Mer guesthouse

the Badu multipurpose office space.

Business funding support

Two loan applications were approved.

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

Increase in the number of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal owned commercially viable businesses

In 2016-2017, two business loans were approved to support Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal businesses. In the same period business mentoring and support was provided to six clients and four Fisheries Business Growth Package applications were received.

Increased availability of approved business training

In 2016-2017, the TSRA continued to provide face-to-face business training through the delivery of Into Business Workshops.

In 2016-2017, a total of 110 participants attended Into Business Workshops:

49 participants attended Workshop A

36 participants attended Workshop B

25 participants attended Workshop C.

A total of 25 participants completed the series. Post-course surveys indicate a very high level of participant satisfaction with the workshops. The attendance rate reflects a 7 per cent increase when compared to the previous year.

An increase in the number of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in employment

In 2016-2017, 299 CDP job seekers moved from welfare into employment. Of those, 282 job seekers met employment outcome milestones:

13 week outcome – 161 CDP job seekers

26 week outcome – 121 CDP job seekers.

Job placements were in the following industries:

Administrative and support services – 90

Construction – 45

Public administration and safety – 42

Education and training – 41

Retail – 23

Health care and social assistance – 18

Accommodation and food services – 16

Transport, postal and warehousing – 10

Agriculture, forestry and fishing – 4

Wholesale – 2

Arts and recreation services – 2

Information media and telecommunications – 2

Not specified – 1

Other services – 1

Professional, scientific and technical services – 1

Manufacturing – 1.

The overall job placement numbers have increased compared to the previous reporting period. CDP job seekers are being transitioned into job placements and more job seekers are remaining in work for a minimum of 26 weeks, compared to 2015-2016.

Case Study

Torres Strait Mechanics

Torres Strait Mechanics is an example of how the TSRA’s Economic Development Programme is helping to enhance the region’s wealth by creating sustainable industries and increasing employment opportunities.

The locally owned and operated mobile mechanic business was established by Hammond Island couple Eugene and Roxanne Dorante. In starting his own business, Eugene aspired to establish financial stability and to create a legacy that he could leave behind for his son and nephews.

In 2007, Eugene’s aspirations drove him to leave his home and move to Cairns to complete his mechanic’s apprenticeship. In 2012, he moved back to Hammond Island and established Torres Strait Mechanics with Roxanne, who provides support for the administration and financial management of the business.

Continual investment and commitment during the early years, and a desire to assist others by offering high-quality services at reasonable prices, saw Eugene and Roxanne gain respect in the local market.

HAMMOND ISLAND MECHANIC AND BUSINESS OWNER EUGENE DORANTE

In 2017, Eugene and Roxanne completed the Into Business Workshops series through the Economic Development Programme. These free, self-paced workshop are offered to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people who are interested in starting their own businesses. The three workshops cover Your Business Idea; Marketing and Managing Your Business; and Financial Planning and Management.

The workshops enabled Eugene and Roxanne to see their business from a new perspective, develop sound business strategies, and gain insights into best practice for managing the finances of a business, as well as the most effective way to advertise.

Eugene and Roxanne are now looking to take their services to the Northern Peninsula Area and eventually enter the Cairns market. With support from the Economic Development Programme, they are working to engage a business consultant to assist with planning, and mapping out a direction for future growth. They now have a steadily growing mobile mechanic business that provides a high-quality, low-cost mechanical service to the people of the Torres Strait, giving locals access to essential transportation.

Eugene and Roxanne say that, having established their business and seen firsthand the benefits of working for themselves, they would like to encourage other Torres Strait Islanders to consider educating themselves to find their own commercial opportunities within their areas of interest. They also want locals to know that the support from the TSRA is what helped their business grow to the next level of development.

Fisheries

Regional Goal

Enhance our region’s wealth, by managing and maintaining sustainable fishing industries and increasing employment and economic opportunities for our people.

Programme Outcomes

A commercially viable fishing industry which is 100 per cent owned by Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.

Improved wealth of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people of the region.

Sustainable management of fisheries resources.

Projects and Initiatives

Engaging in the PZJA and supporting the engagement of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in PZJA decision-making.

Providing opportunities to develop the capability and capacity of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people to benefit from fisheries in the region.

Assisting communities to engage in programme activities.

Managing access to fisheries resources held in trust for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people of the region.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-16 Fisheries Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

2,481

2,706

225

Programme External Funding Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-17 Fisheries Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

7,000

3,200

3,800

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Fisheries communications

The principal communication products this year were:

the Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook – a one-stop guide to the essential information about each of the commercial species in the Torres Strait

Cash for Kaiar – a 30-minute video of tips and techniques for tropical rock lobster fishermen.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA introduced grant funding support for registered Torres Strait fishers’ associations to assist them to develop their capacity to represent the interests of fishers in their communities. Properly functioning associations can play a key role in providing effective communications on fisheries matters within communities.

Capacity development and research

The programme’s capacity-building projects are designed to implement the recommendations of the region’s finfish action plan. The plan is focused on helping people overcome barriers to entry into commercial fishing and increasing their participation in fisheries and fisheries-related commercial activities.

Current initiatives include:

assessing the feasibility of a new baitfish fishing industry

auditing existing fisheries infrastructure and infrastructure shortfalls in the region

partnering with the Fisheries Research Development Centre (FRDC) to deliver fisheries research projects in the region (projects currently underway include projects to assess the feasibility of a new barramundi, crab and jewfish fishing industry in the Gudamalulgal (Top Western) Island group)

assessing the feasibility of directly exporting fisheries products from the Torres Strait

investigating a potential value-add brand for Torres Strait seafood

creating a fisheries cadetship.

The TSRA has also partnered with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) to deliver fisheries research projects in the region. Projects underway include:

assessing the traditional catch from subsistence fishing in the Torres Strait

revising the guide for researchers to enable them to better engage with Traditional Owners when planning and undertaking research in the Torres Strait.

Fisheries roadmap – towards 100 per cent ownership

The TSRA has the lead on behalf of the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) for the development of the fisheries roadmap towards 100 per cent ownership of the commercial fisheries by Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Traditional Owners.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA purchased two non-Indigenous fishing licences in the tropical rock lobster fishery, increasing traditional ownership to 62.54 per cent.

Currently, the TSRA owns 100 per cent of the finfish and bêche-de-mer fisheries and does not have ownership of the prawn fishery.

Fisheries representation training

The TSRA assists Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people who are actively engaged in the regional fishing industry to participate in PZJA decision-making.

Training programmes covering the principles of fisheries management and representational skills are delivered to new participants.

Finfish quota management

Each year since 2008 the TSRA has leased licences in the finfish fishery to non-Indigenous fishers. The aim of leasing licences to non-Indigenous fishers is to maintain markets until the Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) licence sector can increase its catch and meet market demand.

The Fisheries Programme provides support to the TSRA Board and the Finfish Quota Management Committee to facilitate the leasing process. In 2016-2017, the committee recommended that licences for 99 tonnes of Spanish mackerel, 69 tonnes of coral trout and 25 tonnes of other species be leased out. Those leases generated $188,000 in revenue for Torres Strait communities.

Fisheries management framework

The Fisheries Programme, with assistance from the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, investigated lessons learned from the community management model applied by Maori in New Zealand.

The report, presented to the TSRA Board, outlined:

how a commission was set up to administer fishing entitlements on behalf of all the Iwi groups

how fishery assets and management of those assets are distributed between Iwi

how building increased ownership using existing entitlements had been successful for the Iwi

the similarities and differences between Maori and Torres Strait community structures.

PZJA representation

In 2016-2017, the TSRA participated in:

one out-of-session PZJA meeting

one PZJA Standing Committee meeting

two Tropical Rock Lobster Resource Allocation Group meetings

one Tropical Rock Lobster Working Group meeting

two Finfish Working Group meetings

two Finfish Scientific and Technical Working Group meetings

two Hand Collectables Working Group meetings.

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

Increase in catches by Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal fishers relative to total allowable catch

The projects delivered by the TSRA Fisheries Programme are focused on increasing Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal participation in commercial fishing activities. In 2016-2017, catch reporting by Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal fishers in the Torres Strait was not mandatory and AFMA advised that there was no reliable data on catch reporting from this sector.

During the year, the PZJA initiated the community consultations required to introduce fish receiver licences in the Torres Strait. While this will not collect as much information as a full catch reporting system, it is an important first step towards measuring the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal catch in the region. Reliable quantitative data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander catch reporting is unlikely to be available in the next reporting period.

Number of opportunities for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people to increase their understanding and use of Torres Strait fisheries resources

This indicator is being met through the finfish capacity building project and the PZJA participation project.

The TSRA also funds the formal participation of up to five Torres Strait industry representatives in all PZJA consultative forums.

Case Study

Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook

The TSRA’s Fisheries Programme develops resources that support Traditional Inhabitant fishers in their participation in commercial fishing in the Torres Strait.

In March 2017, the Fisheries Programme launched the Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook, an at-sea tool for commercial fishing vessels in the Torres Strait Protected Zone fisheries.

The guidebook was created in direct response to calls from the fishing industry for assistance in understanding the rules and regulations that apply to fisheries in the Torres Strait. It furthers the TSRA’s commitment to providing the community with access to essential information, and assists in building the region’s capacity to engage in the management of Torres Strait fisheries.

To assist fishers to understand the rules and regulations for catching and carrying species found in the Torres Strait, the guidebook clearly outlines the rules on allowable catch, size limits, fishing equipment, boat size, and licence restrictions for each species.

The hard copy guidebook is waterproof and designed to be used on board commercial fishing vessels, so that fishers can easily access relevant information when at sea. An electronic copy is also available, from the TSRA website.

It is up to all fishers to play a role in the sustainable management of the Torres Strait region’s fisheries, and assist in the prevention of illegal fishing practices, by knowing and following the rules and reporting any illegal activity. Using the guidebook as an educational tool and an at-sea resource will help fishers to avoid non-compliance and report any non-compliance that they see in the fishing grounds.

THE TORRES STRAIT FISHERIES GUIDEBOOK – A ONE-STOP GUIDE TO THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THE COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE TORRES STRAIT.

Culture, Art and Heritage

Regional Goal

Protect, promote, revitalise and maintain Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal traditions and cultural heritage.

Programme Outcomes

An active and sustainable arts and craft industry.

Cultural values and protocols are integrated into service planning and management practice.

The unique cultural heritage and histories of the region are preserved, maintained and promoted.

Strong, supported and respected Ailan Kastom.

The copyright, intellectual property and traditional knowledge of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region are protected.

Projects and Initiatives

Cultural maintenance and observance.

Arts industry development.

Gateway/hub for presenting, preserving promoting and providing education on Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal culture and arts.

Cultural heritage management (with links to the Environmental Management Programme).

Copyright and intellectual property rights.

Cultural values and protocols.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-18 Culture, Art and Heritage Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

4,441

4,540

99

Programme External Funding Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-19 Culture, Art and Heritage Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

475

472

3

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Arts development programme

The TSRA continued to contribute towards arts development initiatives for the region in 2016-2017, providing operational support to the three regional art centres on Badu, Erub and Moa.

Additionally, arts skills workshops were delivered on Horn Island and Hammond Island.

The TSRA hosted the annual Torres Strait artist meeting on Horn Island, which provided 26 local emerging artists with information on the fundamentals of progressing their careers in the arts industry.

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre (GTCC) delivered masterclasses in printmaking and workshops in jewellery making.

Culture, art and heritage grants

The TSRA Culture, Art and Heritage Programme supported a total of 18 applications in 2016-2017. This included activities funded under a new funding stream, the Torres Strait significant milestone events stream.

Funded activities included support for school arts and cultural tours, music production and artist workshops, and for artists, musicians and traditional dance groups to participate in art and cultural events around and outside the region.

The significant events grant round supported the 25th anniversaries of the raising of the Torres Strait flag, and the Mabo decision.

The TSRA also contributed towards the 2016 Zenadth Kes Cultural Festival on Thursday Island.

The funded activities contributed towards the ongoing promotion and maintenance of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal art and culture in the region.

Cultural maintenance programme

The TSRA continues to observe and practice cultural protocols and Ailan Kastom through all programmes and initiatives delivered in communities. The TSRA also provides guidance on cultural protocols to other Australian and Queensland Government departments and non-Government stakeholders visiting the region.

The 2016-2017 initiatives contributing towards the cultural maintenance programme included: support through grant funding for traditional music and dance groups participation at cultural events; and activities promoting and preserving cultural knowledge and traditions, such as publications and music production.

The GTCC has a changing programme of cultural maintenance exhibitions displayed in the Ephraim Bani Gallery. In 2016-2017 the exhibition programme featured Evolution: Torres Strait Masks, and the Gab Titui Collection.

Dance strategy

In 2016, traditional dance teams were selected through an expression of interest process to participate and showcase Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultural performances at nominated 2017 events. The Arpaka Dance Company from Moa Island participated in the Yirramboi First Nations Indigenous Arts Festival in Melbourne, and the Eip Karem Baizam dance team from Thursday Island and Mer will perform at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in July 2017. Other shortlisted dance teams performed at various TSRA and community events throughout the year.

Arts licensing and IP protection

The GTCC developed licence agreements with 25 artists in 2016-2017 for the use of their images in publications and on art and craft products and products developed by the GTCC.

Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award

The Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017, receiving 52 entries and attracting 300 people on opening night and more than 3,000 visitors over six weeks. The art award is a flagship event for the GTCC and TSRA and attracts members of the local community, leaders, curators, representatives of collection institutions and tourists, who visit Cairns specifically for this exhibition.

Gab Titui Cultural Centre – exhibition/public programmes

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks opened at the National Museum of Australia on 19 May 2017. It will tour nationally after it closes at the museum in August 2017. Through a partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the museum is reproducing the exhibition as panels, which will tour internationally. An exhibition of contemporary work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Freshwater, Saltwater, was exhibited at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre by UMI Arts. Public programmes held in 2016-2017 included school holiday programmes, jewellery workshops, screen printing classes during the cultural festival, storytelling classes and masterclasses in printmaking.

The Torres Strait language strategy

In 2016-2017, the TSRA continued to work in partnership with the Australian Government Ministry for the Arts and Tagai State College to facilitate the launch of the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan 2016-2019 and the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Charter. Those key documents will guide the region on the revitalisation and maintenance of the two traditional languages Meriam Mir and Kala Lagau Ya and their six dialects.

The second Torres Strait Language Symposium was held at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island in May 2017. This event showcased language activities being delivered through the region, nationally and internationally. The Torres Strait Language Reference Group dissolved at the end of this event, and a new Torres Strait Traditional Language Advisory Committee was formed to progress the implementation of the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan.

The TSRA and Tagai State College formalised a three-year agreement to establish a regional language centre at Yangu Pawaw Ngurpay Mudh, the existing language and culture centre at Tagai State College Thursday Island Secondary Campus.

Music strategy – Music and Dance Audit

The Music and Dance Audit for the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area continued in 2016-2017. Since its commencement in 2007, 14 communities have completed their community CD and DVD productions, highlighting traditional music and dance, and cultural knowledge.

Case Study

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks Tour to the National Museum of Australia

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks opened at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) in Canberra on 19 June 2017, with live performances by Alick Tipoti’s dance team, the Zugubal Dancers.

The Director of the NMA, Dr Mathew Trinca, was a special guest when Evolution: Torres Strait Masks first opened, at Gab Titui Cultural Centre in 2015. He immediately initiated negotiations to have the exhibition tour to Canberra.

The NMA was excited to have a completed exhibition, curated at the source of the work, that showed a clear connection between the historical past and live cultural practice. The NMA expects many thousands of visitors to view the exhibition over the six weeks of its display.

The future for this exhibition is to tour nationally, starting in July 2017 at the Queensland Museum and the Museum of Tropical North Queensland, and moving to the South Australian Museum in 2018. An exhibition of reproduction panels is also being planned, through a partnership with the NMA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and will tour Australian embassies around the world starting in July 2017.

PROMINENT TORRES STRAIT ARTIST ALICK TIPOTI’S MASK ‘KOEDAL AWGADHALAYG’ AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA.

10th Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award

The 10th anniversary of the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award was a major celebration and a significant showing of the unique talents of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists in the region. Over 300 people attended the opening night and several thousand will see the show over its period of display, from 8 June to 28 July 2017.

The award entries were judged by the Director of the National Gallery of Victoria, Mr Tony Ellwood, who was assisted by cultural advisers Mr Ron Day and Ms Louise Manas. This year’s award attracted entries from 52 artists from 18 communities.

The exhibits were of a very high standard and 28 were sold within the first week. The 18 works in the Secondary Student category were purchased by the NMA, along with Matilda Loban’s work Ngulayg Lumayk, winner of the NMA’s History Through Art Award. The Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award’s overall winning artwork, Monument at ‘Kemus Cove’ Erub by Nancy Kiwat, will also go into the NMA’s Torres Strait collection.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA DIRECTOR TONY ELLWOOD WITH LOUISE MANAS AND RON DAY. IMAGE: GEORGE SERRAS, NMA.

Native Title

Regional Goal

Protect, maintain and progress Native Title rights and recognition over the region’s land and sea country.

Programme Outcomes

Changes to Native Title and Fisheries legislation which recognise the commercial rights as part of the Native Title rights of Traditional Owners under the Torres Strait Sea Claim Part A determination.

Successfully negotiated Future Acts and Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

Native Title claims are successfully determined.

Prescribed Bodies Corporate understand and met their responsibilities under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

Projects and Initiatives

Progress and successfully negotiate ILUAs.

Progress and successfully negotiate Native Title Claims.

Perform the functions of a Native Title Representative Body under the Native Title Act.

Develop proposals regarding legislation that impacts on Native Title.

Build the capacity of Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (PBCs).

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-20 Native Title Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

4,114

4,365

251

Programme External Funding Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-21 Native Title Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

500

293

207

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Native Title compensation

In 2016-2017, seven ILUAs were successfully negotiated. The value of compensation for the agreements is approximately $865,500.

Since 2005, 65 ILUAs have been registered. The value of compensation is approximately $2.416 million.

The Timber Creek compensation methodology, which is currently under appeal, is expected to be applied to future compensation claims in the region.

Deeds of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) transfer

◯

There were no DOGIT transfers in 2016-2017. The Queensland Government has not scheduled any DOGIT transfers for 2017-2018.

Land Holding Act (Katter Leases)

There are 351 Katter Leases in the region. The TSRA has been working with the Queensland Government and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to finalise Katter Leases on Badu Island. This work is in progress. While the Queensland Government has also scheduled work on Katter Leases for Boigu, Mabuyag, Hammond and Moa islands, there are significant resource implications for the Native Title Office which are still being negotiated.

Major Infrastructure ILUA

●

The Native Title Office is working with the Queensland Government and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to finalise draft 24 of the Major Infrastructure ILUA. There has been agreement to separate social housing infrastructure from other major infrastructure. This should enable the ILUA to be finalised in 2017.

Management of Future Acts and ILUAs

The Native Title Office received 205 Future Acts notices in 2016-2017. Responses have been provided to 178 of these notices.

Native Title claim – Naghir Island

●

The Native Title Office is overseeing further progress by engaging a consultant anthropologist.

Native Title claim – Sea Claim Part B (QUD6040/2001)

The Native Title Office has been progressing this claim.

The Part B area is wholly overlapped by two claims. The Western Claim is filed on behalf of the Kaurareg people and the Eastern Claim is filed on behalf of the Gudang Yadheykenu people.

The Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg People have agreed that the western overlap is shared sea country. However, a new authorisation meeting is required to clarify the claimants in order for this matter to progress.

Negotiations with the Cape York Land Council about resolving the eastern overlap have commenced. Further anthropological research is required to identify the Traditional Owner group for the claim.

Native Title Conference

The National Native Title Conference was held from 5 to 7 June 2017 in Townsville. This conference coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision, which was celebrated throughout the Torres Strait. A Native Title Symposium was held at Mer (Murray Island), attended by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs and about 100 guests.

NTRB legal services

The Native Title Office provides a wide range of legal assistance to the PBCs and Traditional Owners in the region upon request. Table 2-22 provides statistical information on the level of engagement in 2016-2017.

PBC regional workshops

Regional PBC workshops are conducted in conjunction with other Native Title activity that requires PBC directors to assemble. PBC chairs or their representatives had two opportunities in 2016-2017 to meet collectively with the Native Title Office legal team.

Capacity building for the Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council

●

The Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council has not yet established an office or staffing in the region, and does not yet have capacity to assist Traditional Owners to manage their Native Title. The TSRA has offered to assist the council to develop this capacity.

PBC support and capacity building

The Native Title Office provides support to 21 PBCs in the region to ensure that they maintain legislative compliance and can effectively engage with the Traditional Owners in their communities.

In 2016-2017, representatives of the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations visited the region and delivered training for public officers at Erub (Darnley Island) and Ngarupai (Horn Island).

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

Number of reported non-compliance matters involving PBCs

There are no reported non-compliance matters for the region.

Number of DOGIT transferred to PBCs with appropriate support mechanisms

◯

There were no DOGIT transfers in 2016-2017. The Queensland Government does not have any DOGIT transfers scheduled for 2017-2018.

Statistical Data

Table 2-22 Performance statistics – Native Title Office

Facilitation and assistance

Number

1. THE CLAIMS EXPERIENCE

Claimant applications

Active claims represented at 30 June 2016

2

Plus claims filed this year by NTRB

0

Less claims determined 2016-2017

0

Less claims dismissed 2016-2017

0

Less claims withdrawn 2016-2017

0

(+ or -) Other disposition (describe)

0

Active claims represented at 30 June 2017

2

Number of active claims registered by National Native Title Tribunal

0

Claims in development

1

Non-claimant applications

0

Compensation claims

0

2. THE AGREEMENTS EXPERIENCE

Future Acts notices received

205

Responses to Future Acts

178

Agreements concluded

0

Agreements in development

0

ILUAs concluded and registered

1

ILUAs in development

20

Complaints and disputes

0

Complaints

Received

0

Resolved

0

Pending

0

Disputes relating to Native Title applications

1

Disputes relating to ILUAs, rights of access and other matters

5

Requests for review of decisions not to assist

Requests received

1

Reviews completed

1

Requests for review of decisions to assist

Requests received

15

Requests approved

15

Case Study

25th Anniversary of the Mabo Decision

On 3 June 1992, the High Court handed down its decision in Mabo v Queensland (No 2), which declared that ‘the Meriam people are entitled as against the whole world to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of the lands of the Murray Islands’.

The Mabo Case has since been an inspiration for Indigenous people around the world, and the platform for other Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people to secure Native Title rights and interests over their lands and seas.

Over those 25 years, the TSRA Native Title Office (NTO) has assisted Traditional Owners as the Native Title Representative Body for the Torres Strait region. The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on some achievements.

On 7 August 2013, the High Court overturned the Full Federal Court’s decision in the Torres Strait Regional Sea Claim Part A and found that Torres Strait Islanders do have a Native Title right to take resources from the sea for any purpose, including commercial and trading purposes.

29 Native Title determinations in the Torres Strait region have been made by the Federal Court of Australia, recognising that Native Title exists in the entire determination areas.

65 Indigenous Land Use Agreements in the region have been registered with the National Native Title Tribunal. These agreements deal with a range of matters, such as consent to Future Acts, compensation for Traditional Owners, and a mechanism for protecting significant sites and cultural heritage.

21 Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs) in the region have been registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. The NTO currently assists the RNTBCs through a project to develop their capacity to improve organisational governance and maximise fee-for-service opportunities.

The NTO assists Traditional Owners to work together with the various stakeholders in addressing Future Acts issues, such as social housing development and other infrastructure development required for service delivery in the Torres Strait region.

In 2012, the NTO assisted the Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC with the transfer of the Mer Reserve, which includes the islands of Mer, Dauar and Waier, from the Queensland Government to the Meriam people.

In 2014, the TSRA introduced a two-tier funding model to enable RNTBCs to deliver services that they are capable of performing on behalf of the TSRA, their communities and other RNTBCs that require assistance. Two RNTBCs in the region have entered into a memorandum of understanding for Tier One support and are operating on a fee-for-service basis.

In 2015, the NTO assisted the Ugar Ged Kem Le Zeuber Er Kep Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC to resolve any disputes about land boundaries and map out the traditional boundaries on Ugar. The corporation was able to negotiate various critical community projects, including a community hall extension, new helipad lighting, a new desalination plant and a new fuel bowser.

In March 2017, the NTO assisted the Malu Ki’ai (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC to resolve land disputes and map out the traditional boundaries of the totem groups on Boigu.

SOME OF THE DELEGATES WHO ATTENDED THE MABO DAY SYMPOSIUM ON MER PAYING THEIR RESPECTS TO THE LATE MR EDDIE KOIKI MABO ON 3 JUNE 2017.

DOUG PASSI, CHAIR OF MER GEDKEM LE (TSI) CORPORATION, CASSIE LANG, SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER TSRA NATIVE TITLE OFFICE, AND GREG MCINTYRE QC, SOLICITOR TO MABO PLAINTIFFS.

Environmental Management

Regional Goal

Our natural and cultural environment is an asset that is protected, preserved and enjoyed through sustainable management.

Programme Outcomes

Strengthened sustainable use, protection and management of natural and cultural resources.

Improved community adaptation to climate change impacts, including sea level rise.

Increased uptake of renewable energy for Torres Strait.

Support community sustainable horticulture.

Projects and Initiatives

Land:

Biodiversity planning and management

Invasive species

Sustainable horticulture.

Sea:

Turtle and dugong planning and management

Marine biodiversity

Water quality

State of the environment report card.

People:

Ranger project

Indigenous protected areas project

Traditional ecological knowledge project

Traditional owner engagement.

Coasts and climate:

Climate change adaptation and resilience

Renewable energy.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-23 Environmental Management Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

4,926

4,531

(395)

Programme External Funding Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-24 Environmental Management Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

10,636

10,531

105

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Invasive species management

The TSRA coordinated the development of the Torres Strait Regional Biosecurity Plan 2017-2022. Queensland Government funding was secured for a 12-month project to manage feral animals and weeds on key islands across the region through a partnership approach with local government. Major weed programmes are underway to control leucaena, lantana and rubber bush on several islands, including Moa, Boigu, Saibai, Mer, Erub, Warraber and Dauan.

Invasive feral cat and rodent surveys have been conducted on 13 uninhabited islands in Torres Strait. Aerial surveys have been conducted for wild horses and deer on three islands. The Torres Shire Council has been contracted to conduct wild dog, feral cat and cane toad control programmes on Thursday Island and Horn Island.

The TSRA also entered a partnership agreement for shared service delivery with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for the provision of biosecurity services, which has created fee-for-service opportunities for TSRA rangers. The TSRA also participates in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Biosecurity Working Group.

Sustainable horticulture project

The Environmental Management Programme works closely with the TSRA’s Healthy Communities and Safe Communities programmes to support communities with horticulture activities in the region. A regional landcare facilitator is employed to coordinate project activities, including facilitation of workshops on outer islands to provide practical and technical demonstrations on food gardening, to assist with the re-establishment of family garden plots and backyard gardens, and the development and maintenance of plant nurseries. The regional landcare facilitator provides a monthly garden column in the Torres News, and also supports the Thursday Island Garden Fair with a stall promoting traditional food gardening and sustainable practices.

Ranger project

TSRA employs 49 rangers, as well as support staff, across 14 outer island communities. Working on Country plans, endorsed by Traditional Owners, are in place to guide the local cultural and natural resource management activities of rangers, who participate in a comprehensive training programme to equip them for their scope of works. A large part of the programme is based on maritime operations and it operates nine vessels located across the region. Future prospects include roles in intelligence gathering and compliance activities, within both customary and government regulatory frameworks.

Environmental education project

This project supports the employment of an environmental education coordinator to lead and coordinate the development and delivery of environmental education programmes within Tagai State College campuses. A school camp base has recently been established at Bamaga to support traditional knowledge transfer through teaching arts, crafts, cooking, dancing and hunting.

Dugong and turtle management

Dugong and turtle management plans are in place for each outer island community and are being implemented by communities with the support of the TSRA. The plans integrate traditional use and contemporary science and management approaches to support the sustainable management of dugong and turtle across the region. A dugong and turtle management plan for the Kaiwalagal region has recently been approved by Kaurareg Traditional Owners. The TSRA Environmental Management Programme is now leading annual turtle nesting and hatchling surveys at index rookeries across the Torres Strait for each species that nests in the region.

Biodiversity planning and management

Baseline biodiversity surveys have been carried out on 13 inhabited islands and more than 20 uninhabited islands. A plant and animal book and video have been produced for Badu Island. Mangrove and water quality monitoring projects have been undertaken on Boigu and Saibai. Seasonal calendars are under development for two islands.

Marine ecosystem monitoring

Rangers have been trained in seagrass monitoring techniques and are actively carrying out intertidal monitoring in seven communities. Coral surveys and assessment of the extent of coral bleaching were undertaken in 2016-2017. The TSRA continued to support rangers to conduct biannual surveys of coral reefs. Remote weather stations at four locations across the region continued to be maintained and collect weather and marine data. Research is underway to investigate the impacts of Fly River pollution on the marine resources of Torres Strait. The TSRA also participated in a recent shipping forum to consider the impacts of shipping in the region and risk mitigation options.

Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) project

Three IPAs have been declared and are being actively managed in the Torres Strait region: Warul Kawa IPA, Pulu Islet IPA and Warraberalgal Porumalgal IPA. The TSRA, including rangers from associated communities, continues to actively support the implementation of management plans for all IPAs in the region. A review of the IPA plan of management for Warul Kawa is currently underway.

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) project

The TEK project supports participating Torres Strait communities to utilise a TEK database for the collection, protection and controlled sharing of cultural and natural resource information whilst ensuring adherence to cultural protocols. Nine Torres Strait communities on eight islands are participating in the project. A review of the TEK project was undertaken in early 2016 to explore how to increase the uptake of the TEK system, how to better incorporate TEK into land and sea management, and how to best utilise project resources.

Future funding and investment prospectus

The Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait 2016-2036 was launched in August 2016. The strategy is the guiding framework for environmental management in the region, through a collaborative approach with Traditional Owners, all levels of government and other partners. An investment prospectus is under development to support the TSRA’s efforts to secure ongoing funding, and to guide and inform future management, monitoring and evaluation of the region’s key values.

Climate change adaptation and resilience

Development of the Torres Strait Regional Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2016-2021 (launched in December 2016) was a priority action in 2016-2017. Community workshops were continued in 2016-2017 and local adaptation and resilience plans were drafted for endorsement by 13 Torres Strait communities.

Renewable energy

●

Ergon Energy has indicated strong interest in working with the TSRA to progress the uptake of renewable energy in the region. Discussions on the development of a regional energy strategy did not progress in the reporting period as the focus was on targeting opportunities to increase the use of regional energy. Ergon is progressing a 35 kW solar farm construction project at Poruma that will be integrated into the island’s isolated system. The TSRA also commissioned a feasibility study for solar power energy to supplement power for local desalination units.

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

Number of actions in the climate change strategy and associated action plans implemented

26 actions from the regional adaptation plan are now being progressed.

At least two new renewable energy initiatives commenced by 2018

Two renewable energy initiatives were begun in the reporting period.

Number of inhabited islands with active food producing community gardens in place

While community interest in horticulture activities is high, participation in community gardens has been low. In 2017-2018, efforts will be refocused to provide support for the establishment of family gardens and revitalise more sustainable community gardens.

Case Study

Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change – Torres Strait Regional Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2016-2021

In December 2016, the TSRA – in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) and the Torres Shire Council (TSC) – launched the Torres Strait Regional Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2016-2021. The plan highlights specific challenges that climate change poses to life in the region, and identifies a suite of actions required to enable the region to adapt and respond.

The Torres Strait is on the front line of climate change impacts, particularly the impacts of sea level rise on low-lying island communities. Communities that are geographically isolated and suffer from a range of socioeconomic vulnerabilities, such those in the Torres Strait, are likely to be more severely affected than communities that do not have those vulnerabilities.

The regional adaptation and resilience plan emphasises that climate change has important implications for the region’s economy and infrastructure and the health, way of life and culture of Torres Strait communities. The plan focuses on reducing climate risks and building community resilience.

TSRA RANGER JOHN WIGNESS AND A COMMUNITY MEMBER AT A CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP IN KUBIN.

The plan is the result of a very thorough assessment of regional vulnerabilities and consultation with regional leadership and government and research agencies. The TSC and TSIRC had input into and endorsed the plan. The two-year planning process included a series of regional workshops, attended by leading experts on climate change science and adaptation measures, as well as Torres Strait elected representatives and community members.

The partners involved in the planning process successfully pioneered a detailed and innovative risk assessment and planning response. The pioneering elements included the very strong focus on building community resilience, the mapping of pathways to outcomes, and innovations in the categorisation of actions to build greater appreciation of a systems approach.

The plan has been acknowledged as a leading example of best practice adaptation planning by both Australian and international adaptation practitioners.

The plan highlights that fully integrating sustainability and resilience into community development is critical to building adaptive capacity and resilience within communities. Responding to climate change will require strong integration and collaboration across our region, along with adequate resourcing and a coordinated, whole-of-government response.

Local adaptation and resilience plans will be developed for individual communities. These plans will influence and inform future development planning and actions to mitigate the most pressing climate change risks and impacts being experienced by communities.

Governance and Leadership

Regional Goal

Effective and transparent self-government, with strong leadership.

Programme Outcomes

Implementation of the National Indigenous Reform Agreement service delivery principles.

Appropriate Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal participation in decision-making.

Improved communication, cultural competence and service delivery within a community development framework across governments.

Strong Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal organisational leadership and governance.

Projects and Initiatives

Governance capacity building.

Leadership capacity building.

Integrated Service Delivery coordination.

Community engagement.

Women’s leadership program.

Youth leadership program.

Tertiary education assistance.

Regional broadcasting support.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-25 Governance and Leadership Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

4,909

4,777

(132)

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Community consultation and engagement

During 2016-2017, community engagement was conducted in seven Torres Strait communities by the Chairperson and CEO. Further community visits are planned for 2017-2018.

Integrated Service Delivery community booklets

●

No community booklet refreshes were undertaken in 2016-2017.

Media and communications support

This is a contracted activity through Zakazukha Marketing Communications. In 2016-2017, 45 media releases were produced.

Internal and external audit support

Both the external and internal audit programmes were completed. Audit recommendation tracking and status reports were provided at four Audit Committee meetings.

Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme

Eleven tertiary scholarships were offered in 2016-2017.

Board and Chairperson support

Four executive meetings, four Audit Committee meetings and four Board meetings were conducted in 2016-2017. Executive assistance was provided to the TSRA Chairperson.

Board Strategic Workshop

All Board Members attended the TSRA’s Board Strategic Workshop in November 2016. The focus of this workshop was to develop the TSRA’s priorities going forward. In May 2017, 18 Board Members attended a further strategic workshop to identify the Board’s priorities for the Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022.

Indigenous leadership

During 2016-2017, one person was supported to undertake the Australian Rural Leadership Programme and three people were supported to undertake the Training Rural Australians in Leadership programme.

Support to regional broadcasting

The Torres Strait Islanders Media Association met their broadcasting hours and local content targets.

Women’s and youth leadership

Six participants were supported in the youth leadership programme and the women’s leadership programme increased to 10 participants.

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

Achieve a minimum of 20 per cent increase in access to services over the life of the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 measured from the 2012 baseline regional plan community booklets

The Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (2009-2029) identified 1,608(1) service gaps.(2) In 2012-2013, 372 (23 per cent) had been fully addressed. This increased to 773 (48 per cent) in 2013-2014 and 1,034 (64 per cent) in 2014-2015. In 2015-2016, new issues were identified from the refresh of 13 community booklets. The issues that have been fully addressed remain at 1,064 (64 per cent).

Increase in Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Women with the capacity to participate in leadership roles in the region measured from the 2012 baseline

The Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Programme is delivered in partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

The 2012 baseline was six. Since then, the following participants have been supported.

2013-2014 – 4 women

2014-2015 – 4 women

2015-2016 – 7 women

2016-2017 – 10 women.

Increase in Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal youth (18-25) with the capacity to participate in leadership development activities measured from the 2012 baseline

Training Rural Australians in Leadership:

2013-2014 – two male/one female

2014-2015 – three male/four female

2015-2016 – one male

2016-2017 – two male/one female.

Torres Strait Young Leaders Programme:

2013-2014 – one male/three female

2014-2015 – one male/three female

2015-2016 – two male/four female

2016-2017 – three male/three female.

Both programmes are delivered in partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

1. The service gaps were identified in 2009-2010 as part of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (2009-2029) development process.

2. The community consultations conducted in 2014-2015 identified that some community booklets contained duplicate entries of gaps in services. Five duplications were removed, reducing the baseline from 1,613 reported in 2013-2014 to 1,608 this year.

Case Study

TSRA Board Elections

The TSRA is required to hold elections for Board members every four years, under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth). Members are elected for each of the TSRA’s 20 wards: Badu, Bamaga, Boigu, Dauan, Erub, Hammond, Iama, Kubin, Mabuyag, Masig, Mer, Ngarupai and Muralag, Port Kennedy, Poruma, Saibai, Seisia, St Pauls, TRAWQ, Ugar and Warraber.

On 29 April 2016, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, gazetted 30 July 2016 as the polling date for TSRA elections. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) conducted the 2016 elections, through its Indigenous Electoral Participation Programme (IEPP).

In the lead-up to polling, the AEC’s IEPP teams conducted two information sessions for interested community members in all TSRA wards. In the first round of information sessions, members of the TSRA’s Governance and Leadership team accompanied the AEC teams, to provide information on the roles and responsibilities of TSRA Board members and how to nominate as a candidate for the election. The second round of information sessions focused on voter eligibility, and assistance was provided to voters to ensure that they were correctly enrolled on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.

Six TSRA wards were uncontested – that is, only one candidate was nominated in each ward – and the AEC IEPP teams conducted polling for the remaining 14 wards. The opportunity to vote in person on polling day was available to voters in the wards of Bamaga, Port Kennedy and TRAWQ. Voters in other wards were able to vote in person at mobile polling stations which visited the wards before polling day. Voters were also able to cast absent, pre-poll or postal votes if they were unable to vote in person in their own wards on polling day.

While taking part in TSRA elections is not compulsory, there has been a marked increase in interest and participation among both candidates and voters. In the July 2016 election, 63 per cent of eligible voters participated, which represents a 6 per cent increase from the previous election. Forty candidates, including 10 women, stood for election.

The new TSRA Board consists of three women and 17 men, and includes seven members who are serving on the Board for the first time.

AEC IEPP TEAM READY FOR POLLING AT THE PORT KENNEDY COMMUNITY HALL, THURSDAY ISLAND. IMAGE: AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION.

Healthy Communities

Regional Goal

To enhance both healthy communities and our living environment and achieve the provision of adequate, appropriate and affordable housing.

Programme Outcomes

Secure whole-of-government investment for infrastructure to support healthy homes and healthy living environments.

Policies support community managed delivery of primary and public health care services and are based on regional needs and priorities.

Improved access to affordable fresh and healthy foods.

More active and healthy communities.

Affordable home ownership available across the region.

Projects and Initiatives

Support community market garden and horticulture initiatives (in conjunction with the Environmental Management Programme).

Engage with food suppliers and retailers to increase supply and variety of healthy food options.

Support health education initiatives, including physical education, nutrition, obesity, diabetes, motivation and substance abuse programmes.

Fund sport and recreation activities and minor infrastructure.

Contribute funding and provide policy advice for the delivery of essential services and infrastructure to support healthy living environments.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-26 Healthy Communities Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

6,218

6,249

31

Programme External Funding Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-27 Healthy Communities Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

7,500

7,500

0

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

Seawalls

The joint Australian Government and Queensland Government initiative to increase coastal protection in low-lying Torres Strait communities continued throughout the financial year.

Construction of the seawall on Saibai Island reached practical completion on Monday 22 May 2017. Seawall construction work on Boigu Island is due for commencement in late 2017.

Major infrastructure projects

Thirteen environmental health infrastructure projects were delivered under the Major Infrastructure Programme Stage 5 (MIP 5). All MIP 5 projects have been completed.

The TSRA successfully secured $30 million from the Australian Government and the Queensland Government for Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme (MIP 6). The funding will deliver 12 environmental health infrastructure projects.

The TSRA continues to work closely with the three regional councils to implement the MIP 6 projects and associated employment and training outcomes for communities.

The TSRA also secured $6 million in infrastructure funding from the Australian Government for the Prince of Wales Safe Landing Facility project, which will provide safe access for the community.

Regional water operations and support

The TSRA continued its contribution to the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Water and Waste Water Management Programme through 2016-2017 to ensure that services are adequately maintained for outer island communities.

The TSRA provided funding to enable the council to purchase five emergency desalination units to mitigate critical water shortages, due to a poor wet season, in Torres Strait communities. The desalination units have been purchased and are used to supplement fresh water supplies.

Major Infrastructure Program trust and other infrastructure projects

The TSRA continues to work with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to identify infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to allow for all-tide safe access to Ugar community.

The TSRA provided funding for a Ugar infrastructure project, environmental assessment, and fuel bowser and helicopter pad upgrade.

Healthy fresh food and horticulture

The Healthy Communities Programme continued to support the Environmental Management Programme’s delivery of horticulture initiatives through the provision of grant funding to community organisations to support market garden activities.

Sport and recreation activities (grant funding)

The TSRA funded several local council minor sporting infrastructure projects, including upgrades to Erub Stadium and Masig Stadium.

The Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association continued to administer sports subsidy funding on behalf of the TSRA throughout the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region.

The TSRA also provided support to the association to build its organisational capacity to improve service delivery. This included training and development of staff and committee members in areas of administration and accounting.

Six major local sporting carnival events were supported.

The TSRA provided 73 sport and recreation grants to encourage participation in a range of sporting and recreational activities, including sporting events at state and national levels.

Of a total of 3,134 participants in sport and recreation during the period:

1,026 were in the 0-12 age group

818 were in the 13-25 age group

1,159 were in the 26-54 age group

131 were 55 years or older.

Waste and landfill projects

●

The Healthy Communities Programme continues to work with key stakeholders in local and state government and Australian Government agencies to address waste management issues in the region.

The Torres Shire Council received funding from the TSRA’s Community Minor Infrastructure Fund that will enable the council to commence a recycling initiative in 2017-2018.

Horn Island affordable housing project

●

Construction of subdivision works is yet to commence at the proposed site on Horn Island. This project was delayed due to Native Title matters. Those matters have been resolved and the Torres Shire Council is finalising the land tenure.

Works on the subdivision are expected to commence in 2018.

Health promotion and community education projects

The TSRA provides operational funding to the Torres Strait Youth and Recreation Sporting Association. The association provided support to sporting events in the region and worked closely with event organisers and stakeholders, such as Queensland Health, to deliver health and nutrition education initiatives.

The TSRA funded a community waste education programme as part of the Torres Shire Council’s Waste Management project.

The TSRA also influences policy for health programmes across all tiers of government, through participation in the:

Torres Strait Cross Border Health Issues Committee

Department of Health: Implementation Plan Advisory Group

Department of Health: Aged Care Master Plan

James Cook University Torres Strait Island Health Sciences Consultative Committee

National Health and Medical Research Council

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Partnership.

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

Increased access to fresh and affordable foods in Torres Strait communities

◯

The Environmental Management Programme’s Mekem Garden Sustainable Horticulture Project delivers food garden initiatives and workshops to increase knowledge and practice of traditional gardening activities and promote the growing of fresh foods in Torres Strait communities.

The Healthy Communities Programme complements the project by providing grant education sessions in conjunction with the Mekem Garden workshops conducted by the regional Landcare facilitator, to encourage communities to access TSRA grant funding opportunities for gardening and horticulture activities.

Increase in participation in structured sport, recreation and healthy lifestyle activities

Six major local sporting events were supported and 73 grants for sporting and recreational activities were approved. A total of 3,134 participants were supported in 2016-2017.

Increase in serviced land and infrastructure to support housing for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people

The TSRA continues to support the Torres Shire Council to deliver a subdivision on Horn Island. The TSRA has contributed funding to establish the subdivision and in-ground services for 24 housing lots. Issues with Native Title previously delayed this project; works are now expected to commence later in 2017.

Case Study

Safe Drinking Water Supply for the Torres Strait Region

The Healthy Communities Programme recognises the importance of meeting basic living standards as part of having healthy people in our communities. This includes ensuring the availability of fresh, potable water for communities across the Torres Strait region.

Since the Major Infrastructure Programme commenced, in 1998, the TSRA has provided a total investment of over $16 million through various infrastructure projects that have contributed significantly to the delivery of safe drinking water throughout the region. Through partnerships with local government, the TSRA’s assistance has supported a wide range of activities, including infrastructure development, investigations to identify sustainable water supplies, and emergency responses to critical water shortages.

The fresh water sources in the Torres Strait are typically rainfall and desalination. Larger communities – such as Thursday Island, Horn Island and St Pauls – have large reservoirs for water storage, while storage on smaller islands is restricted. Rainfall is very sporadic and extended dry seasons are common.

Torres Strait communities recently experienced severe drought conditions which saw the potable water supplies of many outer islands hit critical lows. The TSRA provided grant support to enable the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to purchase five desalination units to mitigate critical water shortages. The desalination units have been purchased and are in use.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA secured funding for Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme, which will provide additional infrastructure investment to improve the availability of potable water in the region. The programme is jointly funded by the TSRA, the Australian Government and the Queensland Government to deliver environmental health infrastructure to communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region. Previous stages of the programme helped to improve quality of life in communities through building water treatment and desalination plants, sewerage treatment plants and waste management facilities.

MOBILE DESALINATION UNIT.

Safe Communities

Regional Goal

Safe, healthy, respectful and progressive communities, based on Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal traditions, and strong families and safe and healthy communities that are guided by cultural and traditional lore.

Programme Outcomes

Effective community and social service support.

Families and individuals are safe in home and community.

Public areas are safe and accessible for community members.

Communities have access to appropriate transport infrastructure.

Projects and Initiatives

Support Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal women, men and children through social development and support programmes; and child and family safety programmes.

Support safe and accessible community infrastructure; land and sea communication systems; and community capacity building.

Participate in interagency and Integrated Service Delivery meetings and forums to discuss issues of community and domestic safety and to contribute to shaping planning and service delivery in the region.

Programme Expenditure 2016-2017

Table 2-28 Safe Communities Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

Budget $’000

Actual $’000

Variance $’000

4,519

4,822

303

Programme Performance

Activity

Flag

Status

School attendance and learning initiatives (grants)

The TSRA provides funding support for projects that improve the delivery of social services in the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA continued supporting Ensuring a Strait Start, a project developed by the Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council to improve access to early education support in the Torres Strait communities.

Ensuring a Strait Start is currently being delivered in Thursday Island, Badu, Poruma, Boigu, Iama, Erub, Kubin, Masig, Mer, Saibai, Dauan and Horn Island communities. The council is working towards implementing the project on Warraber and Mabuyag.

Community safety partnerships

The TSRA has a range of key partnerships related to community safety, with relevant local and state government and Australian Government agencies. The TSRA is a member of the Torres Strait Child and Family Committee, the Social Justice Interagency Group and the Torres Strait Maritime Safety Programme.

Community safety projects (grants)

The TSRA provided two community safety grants through its common funding rounds in 2016-2017.

Funding supported the inaugural Torres Strait domestic and family violence conference and an early intervention project through the Thursday Island Community Justice Group.

Law enforcement partnerships

The TSRA provides funding support for the delivery of legal services for residents in the region through a partnership with the Attorney-General’s Department. The service is provided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

The TSRA and the Attorney-General’s Department have partnership arrangements in place until 2019-2020, which will ensure that key legal services support continues to be provided for the region.

In 2016-2017, 584 cases relating to duty lawyer, criminal, family and civil casework were supported, and 1,091 cases were supported for advice and minor assistance. The Community Legal Education Officer role continues to assist clients to understand the legal process.

Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme

The TSRA continued to work with the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads through a memorandum of understanding to deliver the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS). In 2016-2017, TIDS delivered a schedule of works covering land, sea and air transport infrastructure on Torres Strait outer island communities.

The works included:

barge ramp repairs on Kubin, Dauan, Masig and Hammond islands

construction of road signage and safety barriers on Moa and Hammond islands.

In addition to the TIDS schedule of works, the TSRA and the department contributed funding in 2016-2017 towards the upgrade of the wharf infrastructure on Hammond Island. Works are set to commence in 2017-2018.

Social services delivered by non-government organisations (NGOs) – Port Kennedy Association and Mura Kosker Sorority

Core operational and service support funding was provided to the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association to continue to deliver important community social support services. With this support, the organisations deliver programmes such as child and family support services, after school and holiday care programmes, and domestic and family counselling. Both organisations act as auspicing bodies for individuals and unincorporated bodies that apply for community grants.

PKA currently employs 20 Indigenous staff and MKS currently employs 12 Indigenous staff in roles including administration, counsellors, outreach workers and programme coordinators.

Coordination of infrastructure planning

The TSRA works in partnership with key Commonwealth and state government agencies to secure and maintain funding relationships that contribute to key regional infrastructure projects.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA rolled out the Community Minor Infrastructure Fund. The first round of funding provided joint funding for 11 projects.

The TSRA worked closely with the three local government councils and the Queensland Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to coordinate the delivery of Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme.

The TSRA is also a member of two local council technical working groups which facilitate information sharing on regional infrastructure planning and coordination.

Community capacity building (grants)

Four grants were provided to individuals and community organisations to encourage community safety awareness and capacity building in the current social services providers to improve the wellbeing of communities.

Social and economic engagement partnerships

In 2016-2017, the TSRA worked with key partners to improve social and economic community engagement. The Safe Communities Programme contributed to integrated service delivery forums as well as interagency social service forums.

Social services delivered by NGOs (grants)

The capacity building implementation project undertaken by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association has been completed. This project built governance and administrative capacity in the two organisations and improved the delivery of social support services in the Torres Strait region.

The Port Kennedy Association received funding to continue its community after school care programme in 2016-2017.

Additional Programme Specific Performance Indicators

Indicator

Flag

Status

All Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people employed in the TSRA-supported social services sector in the region have appropriate accreditation

The TSRA provides the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association with an annual operational budget that includes appropriations for training and accreditation. The organisations have appropriate accreditation to effectively perform their duties within the social services sector. These include certificates in Aged Care and Disability Services, Children’s Services, Community Services, and Business Administration; the Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development; and the Diploma in Financial Counselling.

All TSRA funded service delivery organisations in the region provide quality services and operate in accordance with relevant standards

Social support services are effectively delivered in the region by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association and are operated in accordance with relevant standards under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Qld), and within the TSRA funding guidelines. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service delivers legal services in the region in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines under the Indigenous Legal Assistance and Policy Reform Programme of the Attorney-General’s Department.

Reduction in service referrals, response timeframes and waiting lists for social service providers

The amount of service referrals varies depending on clients’ individual circumstances. The programmes delivered by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association include child and family services, the Disability/Flexi-Respite Programme and the Old People’s Action Programme.

All responses to clients and waiting lists are managed in line with the service provisions of those organisations.

Increased participation in TSRA-supported community events by residents and TSRA-funded service organisations

The number of residents and TSRA funded organisations participating in various community events has increased to 400 participants, compared to an average of 300 participants in previous years.

Community events coordinated by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association include events related to International Women’s Day, Domestic Violence Prevention Month, White Ribbon Awareness Day, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day, and Child Protection Week.

Case Study

Saibai Seawall Project

Sea level rise is a major issue for low-lying communities in the Torres Strait region. Tidal inundation can negatively impact on important community infrastructure such as housing, schools, health clinics and community-use buildings and facilities. Essential services infrastructure that supports environmental and public health, such as fresh water storage and supply systems and sewerage, can also be impacted by tidal inundation.

Seawall construction in the Torres Strait is technically complex and logistically challenging, given the remoteness and geographically dispersed nature of the affected island communities.

In 2014, the Australian Government and the Queensland Government announced a joint funding commitment of $26.2 million for coastal protection works in Torres Strait communities. Since 2014, the Torres Strait Island Regional Council has completed two seawall projects, on Saibai and Poruma, with the majority of the work occurring on Saibai.

The Saibai seawall project reached practical completion on 22 May 2017. The project constructed 2,284 metres of seawall and 2,062 metres of bund wall, and installed 1,870 metres of wave return wall. Improvements were made to roads, drainage and access stairs at various points along the seawalls. These completed works will assist in addressing the tidal inundation and coastal erosion that affect the Saibai community on an annual basis.

The Indigenous training and employment outcomes of the project significantly exceeded agreed targets, delivering 8,211 hours of training (the target was 4,501 hours) and 17,512 hours of employment (the target was 7,501 hours). Two trainees obtained the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations.

THE NEW SAIBAI SEAWALL.

Where We Operate

Geography and Logistics

FIGURE 3-1 THE TORRES STRAIT

The Torres Strait is located in Australia and is part of the north-eastern state, Queensland. The area is approximately 150 kilometres wide at its narrowest point and is situated between the tip of Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula and PNG. The region consists of over 270 islands and reefs.

The Torres Strait links the Coral Sea in the east to the Arafura Sea in the west; the two main navigation passages are the Prince of Wales Channel, north of Hammond Island, and the Endeavour Strait, between Cape York and Prince of Wales Island.

The TSRA delivers services across the entire Torres Strait region, including 17 inhabited islands and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia in the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.

The Torres Strait islands have a variety of topographies, ecosystems and formations. Several islands, closest to the PNG coastline, are low-lying and are regularly inundated by sea water. Many of the western islands are hilly and steep. The central islands are predominantly coral cays and the islands in the east are volcanic.

The TSRA delivers services across the entire Torres Strait region, including 17 inhabited islands and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia in the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia. Due to the area’s remote location, the TSRA relies on air and sea links and limited phone, facsimile and internet communications between communities for the delivery of its services. Most travel within the region is restricted to small watercraft, helicopters and light aircraft. The main gateway to the Torres Strait is Ngarupai Airport located on Horn Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and two local government administration hubs located on Thursday Island.

The bulk of goods and materials required by the region are shipped by container vessel from Cairns and redistributed by barge from transhipment points on Thursday Island and Horn Island.

Culture

The picturesque Torres Strait region is predominantly inhabited by Torres Strait Islander people and Kaurareg Aboriginal people. As of 30 June 2016, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that the total population of the region was 9,519, of whom 7,437 (78.13 per cent) were Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal people.

The Torres Strait’s unique Ailan Kastom (island custom) is a central part of life in the region. Ailan Kastom is kept alive through the arts, rituals and performances, and the preservation of languages and traditional knowledge, which are passed from one generation to the next. Cultural values are strongly intertwined with traditional ancestral ties and respect for the waterways, land and sea and the resources they provide.

Ailan Kastom is kept alive through the arts, rituals and performances, and the preservation of languages and traditional knowledge, which are passed from one generation to the next.

History

The Torres Strait is named after Spanish explorer Luis Vaez de Torres, who sailed through the area in 1606. Queensland Government administration of the Torres Strait was established on Thursday Island in 1877, following the arrival of missionaries on Cape York Peninsula. Early settlers were involved in pearling, bêche-de-mer collection, and mining.

Native Title

Torres Strait Islander people first achieved recognition of their land rights in 1992, following the High Court’s landmark Mabo decision which granted the Meriam people Native Title rights over Mer (Murray Island). This was the first time Native Title was recognised under the common law of Australia. It set a precedent for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people throughout Australia to assert their Native Title rights through the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

Native Title has been granted for 13 inhabited islands in the Torres Strait region and most of the uninhabited islands. In addition, the Kaurareg Aboriginal people have achieved recognition of their Native Title rights over seven inner islands: Ngarupai (Horn Island), Muralag (Prince of Wales Island), Zuna (Entrance Island), Yeta (Port Lihou Island), Mipa (Turtle Island), Tarilag (Packe Island) and Damaralag. Altogether, 29 Native Title determinations have been made in the Torres Strait.

Native Title claims are being pursued over two land claims and one sea claim. There were no new determinations in 2016-2017.

Progress towards Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap is a commitment by the Australian Government and state and territory governments to improve the lives of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australians and, in particular, to provide a better future for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal children.

A national integrated Closing the Gap strategy has been agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia. COAG brings together the Prime Minister, state premiers, territory chief ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association.

Closing the Gap is linked to a wider reform of Commonwealth–state financial relations. COAG’s national agreements and partnerships, in areas such as education, housing and health, are focused on overcoming Indigenous disadvantage.

In 2014-2015 the Australian Government introduced the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, which grouped over 150 Indigenous programmes into five programme streams:

Jobs, Land and Economy

Children and Schooling

Safety and Wellbeing

Culture and Capability

Remote Australia Strategies.

The TSRA has aligned its programme outcomes to these streams while continuing to deliver against the COAG targets:

to close the life expectancy gap within a generation

to halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade

to ensure access to early childhood education for all Indigenous four-year-olds in remote communities within five years

to halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade

to halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 (or equivalent) attainment rates by 2020

to halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

COAG Building Blocks

The TSRA’s programme structure is based on the six COAG building blocks for closing the gap in disadvantage between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The building blocks are also used as the framework for the TSRA’s Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) project.

In 2008-2009, The TSRA completed community consultations as part of the development of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan 2009-2029. The TSRA’s contributions towards the targeted outcomes of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan 2009-2029 are noted in the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018, which details the TSRA’s programmes and how they contribute to regional outcomes, the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and the articles under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In 2009-2010, the ISD project identified 1,613 gaps in service delivery across 20 communities. Detail of the service gaps is contained in the Torres Strait Regional Plan ISD community booklets. A booklet for each community can be accessed via the TSRA website (www.tsra.gov.au).

In 2016-2017, the ISD project was limited to operational activities and the re-establishment of the project’s governance framework. The TSRA Board, local government, Queensland Government and Australian Government elections that occurred in the reporting period led to a change of personnel in the ISD governance framework, which had an effect on the project’s progress.

The TSRA will conduct a review of the ISD project in 2017-2018, with a focus on re-establishing the ISD governance framework and strengthening the project at the operational level. The TSRA will also continue to lobby relevant Queensland Government and Australian Government ministers to secure commitment for the ISD project.

Regional Statistics

The latest data available at the time of writing this report was from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The TSRA has used this data to benchmark the progress of the TSRA’s programmes against Closing the Gap targets.

The census data used in this section was taken from the ABS’s QuickStats website and was current at 30 June 2017. The figures are for the Torres Strait and the two communities in the Northern Peninsula Area (Bamaga and Seisia) which are included in the TSRA’s area of responsibility.

Population

The comparison of population changes across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (Bamaga and Seisia) is shown in tables 3-1 to 3-4.

Table 3-1 Total Population of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Total Region

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

3,256

3,610

4,248

4,514

1,046

1,164

203

260

8,753

9,548

Table 3-2 Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Population of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Region

(Total)

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2,063

2,482

3,856

4,144

845

957

135

201

6,899

7,784

In 2016, the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal population of the Torres Shire Local Government Area represented 68.6 per cent of the total population. For the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area, the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal population represented 91.8 per cent of the total population. This shows a slight increase in the proportion of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in those two areas compared to 2011. The Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal population represented 74.4 per cent of the total population in Seisia and 82.4 per cent in Bamaga.

Table 3-3 Gender Balance of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Region (Average)

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

Male

49.8%

49.5%

51.3%

50.8%

49.4%

47.9%

49.1%

51.1%

49.5%

50.1%

Female

50.2%

50.5%

48.7%

49.2%

50.6%

52.1%

50.9%

48.9%

50.5%

49.9%

The gender balance average compared to 2011 shows an increase of males by 1.2 per cent.

Table 3-4 Average Age of Population of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Region (Average)

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

28

28

23

24

23

24

31

25

23

25

Apart from Seisia, where there has been a decrease in the average age of the population, the population age across the region remained more or less consistent between 2011 and 2016. The age profile in Seisia is believed to have been skewed by the number of non-resident visitors in the community at the time of the 2011 Census.

Employment

At 30 June 2017, employment data from the 2016 Census had not been released. The employment data reported in Table 3-5 is based on the 2011 Census and relates only to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people. The figures for Bamaga and Seisia include non-Indigenous employees. The ‘not in labour force’ figures were reported in the 2006 Census but not collected in 2011. These figures represent persons of working age who were not seeking employment.

Table 3-5 Employment in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Strait

Bamaga

Seisia

Region (Total)

Employment type

2006

2011

2006

2011

2006

2011

2006

2011

Full time

2,705

1,572

225

277

71

76

3,096

1,925

Part time

991

82

84

13

17

1,092

Away from work

n/a

291

6

14

0

6

6

311

Unemployed

137

198

18

29

3

0

158

227

Total labour

2,842

3,052

331

404

87

99

3,260

3,555

Not in labour force

1,352

n/a

134

n/a

27

n/a

1,513

n/a

Education

The number of people undertaking some form of education in 2016-2017 was 3,641. The education categories are shown in Table 3-6.

Table 3-6 Education in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Region (Total)

Education Level

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

Pre-school

68

85

91

89

14

25

0

3

173

202

Primary

333

378

780

783

175

198

22

29

1,310

1,388

Secondary

253

318

176

221

89

92

8

20

526

651

Technical or further

43

59

97

72

24

19

3

5

167

155

University

71

74

25

20

10

11

3

4

109

109

Other

11

8

47

17

7

11

0

6

65

42

Not stated

504

594

247

412

54

60

17

28

822

1,094

Total

1,283

1,516

1,463

1,614

373

416

53

95

3,172

3,641

The Tagai State College average school attendance in 2016, across years 1 to 12, was 89 per cent. This figure is slightly below the whole of Queensland attendance rate average of 90 per cent.

Income

The 2016 Census data indicates an improvement in the average household incomes of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people. This is reflected in Table 3-7.

Table 3-7 Median Wealth in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia ($/week)

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Region (Average)

Income type

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

Personal

682

740

314

373

577

568

506

592

411

484

Household

1,579

1,837

849

929

1,117

1,402

785

1,261

971

1,357

The Queensland averages for personal and household income were $660 and $1,402 per week. The Australian averages were $662 and $1,438.

Housing Tenure

The 2016 ABS QuickStats (at 30 June 2017) reported that there were 2,267 dwellings; the tenure arrangements are shown in Table 3-8.

Table 3-8 Tenure of Private Dwellings in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

Torres Shire Local Government Area

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Local Government Area

Bamaga

Seisia

Region (Total)

Tenure type

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

2011

2016

Owned

65

76

49

31

0

3

5

5

119

115

Mortgaged

48

35

0

0

0

0

4

0

52

35

Rented

632

646

856

907

245

273

53

59

1,786

1,885

Other

17

6

9

18

3

0

0

0

29

24

Not stated

53

147

28

33

8

18

0

10

89

208

Total

815

910

942

989

256

294

62

74

2,075

2,267

The figures in Table 3-8 indicate a decrease in the number of houses owned in the region between 2011 and 2016. There was a significant increase in the number of properties being rented between 2011 and 2016. Complex land tenure arrangements in the region and a lack of freehold land and long-tenure leasehold land remains a challenge to increasing home ownership.

How the TSRA Operates

Formation

The TSRA was established on 1 July 1994 under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989 (Cth), and is currently enabled by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth).

The TSRA is a corporate Commonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth), and falls under the legislative requirements of that Act in its use and management of public resources. The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) requires the TSRA to develop a corporate plan each year, outlining its operations. A copy of the TSRA Corporate Plan 2016-2017 can be accessed on the TSRA website (www.tsra.gov.au/the-tsra/corporate-information).

The TSRA is the leading Commonwealth representative body for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait, including two communities (Bamaga and Seisia) in the Northern Peninsula Area. The TSRA comprises 20 elected representatives (the Board) and Australian Public Service administrative staff. The elected representatives are Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people who live and work in the region. The TSRA Board elects a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson and an Alternate Deputy Chairperson. A Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the TSRA’s administration and staffing.

The TSRA performs separate functions under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) as the Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) for the Torres Strait region. In 2016, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs renewed the TSRA’s NTRB status until 30 June 2018.

Under section 142D of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth) the TSRA is required to formulate and implement a plan to guide the progress of the Torres Strait region. This document, known as the Torres Strait Development Plan, is updated every four years, a period consistent with the term of the TSRA Board.

The Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 is the fifth development plan since the establishment of the TSRA. The plan outlines eight TSRA programme components: Economic Development; Fisheries; Culture, Art and Heritage; Native Title; Environmental Management; Governance and Leadership; Healthy Communities; and Safe Communities.

Enabling Legislation

The TSRA’s enabling legislation is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth). Part 3A, Division 1, section 142 of the Act states:

(1) A Torres Strait Regional Authority is established.

(2) The TSRA:

(a) is a body corporate, with perpetual succession; and

(b) is to have a common seal; and

(c) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and

(d) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.

Functions

The functions of the TSRA, as outlined in Section 142A of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), are:

(a) to recognise and maintain the special and unique Ailan Kastom of Torres Strait Islanders living in the Torres Strait area;

(b) to formulate and implement programmes for Torres Strait Islanders, and Aboriginal persons, living in the Torres Strait area;

(c) to monitor the effectiveness of programmes for Torres Strait Islanders, and Aboriginal persons, living in the Torres Strait area, including programmes conducted by other bodies;

(d) to develop policy proposals to meet national, State and regional needs and priorities of Torres Strait Islanders, and Aboriginal persons, living in the Torres Strait area;

(e) to assist, advise and co-operate with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities, organisations and individuals at national, State, Territory and regional levels;

(f) to advise the Minister on:

(i) matters relating to Torres Strait Islander affairs, and Aboriginal affairs, in the Torres Strait area, including the administration of legislation;

(ii) the co-ordination of the activities of other Commonwealth bodies that affect Torres Strait Islanders, or Aboriginal persons, living in the Torres Strait area;

(g) when requested by the Minister, to provide information or advice to the Minister on any matter specified by the Minister;

(h) to take such reasonable action as it considers necessary to protect Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultural material and information relating to the Torres Strait area if the material or information is considered sacred or otherwise significant by Torres Strait Islanders or Aboriginal persons;

(i) at the request of, or with the agreement of, the Australian Bureau of Statistics but not otherwise, to collect and publish statistical information relating to Torres Strait Islanders, and Aboriginal persons, living in the Torres Strait area;

(j) such other functions as are conferred on the TSRA by this Act or any other Act;

(k) such other functions as are expressly conferred on the TSRA by a law of a State or of an internal Territory and in respect of which there is in force written approval by the Minister under Section 142B;

(l) to undertake such research as is necessary to enable the TSRA to perform any of its other functions; and

(m) to do anything else that is incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the preceding functions.

Powers

The powers of the TSRA are outlined in section 142C of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), which states:

(1) The TSRA has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.

(2) The powers of the TSRA include, but are not limited to, the following powers:

(a) to accept gifts, grants, bequests and devises made to it;

(b) to act as trustee of money and other property vested in it on trust;

(c) to negotiate and co-operate with other Commonwealth bodies and with State, Territory and local government bodies;

(d) to enter into an agreement for making a grant or loan under section 142GA to the State of Queensland or an authority of that State (including a local government body);

(e) to enter into an agreement (other than an agreement referred to in paragraph (d)) with a State or a Territory.

(3) Despite anything in this Act, any money or other property held by the TSRA on trust must be dealt with in accordance with the powers and duties of the TSRA as trustee.

(4) The powers of the TSRA may be exercised in or out of Australia.

Responsible Minister

During 2016-2017 the TSRA was a corporate Commonwealth entity within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. The responsible Minister for the TSRA was the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion.

Ministerial Directions

Under section 142E of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), the Minister has powers of direction in relation to the TSRA. Section 142E of the Act states:

(1) The TSRA must perform its functions and exercise its powers in accordance with any general written directions given to it by the Minister.

(2) The Minister must not give directions about the content of any advice, information or recommendation that may be given by the TSRA to a Minister, Department of State or authority of the Commonwealth.

(3) The Minister must not give directions about the content of any advice, information or recommendation that may be given by the TSRA to:

(a) a Minister of a State or Territory; or

(b) a Department of a State or Territory; or

(c) an authority of a State or Territory;

except for the purpose of protecting the confidentiality of information given to the TSRA by the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the Minister must cause a copy of a direction to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after that direction was given.

(5) The rule in subsection (4) does not apply if the laying of a copy of a direction before each House of the Parliament would result in the disclosure of a matter in a manner that would be inconsistent with the views or sensitivities of Torres Strait Islanders or Aboriginal persons.

The TSRA did not receive any formal directions from the Minister during the reporting period.

Statement of Expectations and Statement of Intent

In 2016, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs provided a Statement of Expectations to the TSRA concerning the operation and performance of the TSRA. In response, the TSRA provided a Statement of Intent to the Minister.

Ministerial Appointments

Under section 144 L(a) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), the Minister appointed Mr John Ramsay as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority for the period from 27 June to 5 July 2016 and the period from 9 January to 25 January 2017.

Briefings and Information

Throughout the reporting period the TSRA provided ministerial minutes and briefings to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, including quarterly reports detailing the TSRA’s operations and service delivery.

Governance Structure

Figure 4-1 Torres Strait Regional Authority Governance Framework

Governance Framework

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 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 fulltime Officer Holder, 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.

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 newly formed 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’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 Horace Baira was elected to the TSRA Board for the first time. Mr Baira is a member of the TSRA Audit Committee.

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 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 KENNY BEDFORD
MEMBER FOR ERUB

In July 2016 Mr Kenny Bedford was elected to the TSRA Board for his third consecutive term.

Mr Bedford is president of the Erub Fisheries Management Association, serves on the board of Reconciliation Australia, and is a member of Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation and the St Teresa’s College Abergowrie Community Consultative Committee.

Mr Bedford has a Bachelor of Applied Health Science and a Diploma of Youth Welfare. He received the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship in 2000 and is a Graduate and Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

As a commercial fisher and former TSRA Portfolio Member for Fisheries, Mr Bedford is acutely aware of the challenges that the Indigenous people of the region face in gaining greater ownership and control over management of Torres Strait marine resources. He is committed to increasing economic development opportunities, especially through the greater and more efficient participation of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people across the various Torres Strait commercial fisheries. Mr Bedford acknowledges the importance of working with Traditional Owner representatives and local community fisher organisations and stakeholders to help achieve these targets.

Mr Bedford’s other areas of attention include the Ranger Programme and Torres Strait art, heritage and cultural maintenance. He is aware of the important and positive roles that art and culture play in community health, cohesion and wellbeing. Mr Bedford is also interested in environmental management, housing, education and health as factors in improving the Torres Strait standard of living.

Mr Bedford believes that growing community expectations can be better addressed by clearly and regularly communicating the factors and opportunities influencing Torres Strait policy development, and ensuring that individuals, families and communities are able to access their TSRA representatives and the TSRA in a two-way flow of information.

Mr Bedford will continue to diligently represent Erub and the region and, in particular, play a constructive role in the economic and cultural development of Torres Strait fisheries for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in our region.

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 PNG. He is the current Co-Chairperson of the Traditional Inhabitants Meeting at the regular Australia–PNG 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 2008-2012 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 Language Advisory Group 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 Australian Public Service, 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 Immigration and Border Protection). 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 was 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 the second time. His previous term was 2012-2016. He is a member of the TSRA Audit Committee.

Mr Loban is also the Deputy Chair 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 Islanders 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 women’s organisations to prevent domestic and family violence in communities, and will advocate for the best outcomes in this area.

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 Paiwan will work to improve opportunities for local people on the outer islands to access housing loans from the TSRA, by addressing land tenure issues; improve living standards and quality of life; and support the One Boat governance aspiration for the region.

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, Rosehill, 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 development; organisational and board development; policies and procedures development; and understanding 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 2016-2017, the TSRA Board held five meetings, as shown in Table 4.1. Attendance at Board meetings is shown in Table 4.2.

Table 4-1 Board Meeting Dates and Apologies

Meeting no.

Dates

Apologies

Absent

99

5 September 2016

Nil

Nil

100

7-8 September 2016

Nil

Nil

101

1-2 December 2016

Nil

Nil

102

1-2 March 2017

Ms Patricia Yusia Mr Seriako Dorante (Day 1)Ms Chelsea Aniba (Day 1)

Nil

103

14-15 June 2017

Nil

Nil

Table 4-2 Board Meeting Attendance

Member

Number of meetings attended

Mr Napau Pedro Stephen (Chairperson)

5 of 5

Mr Jerry Stephen (Deputy Chairperson)

5 of 5

Mr Eric Peter (Alternate Deputy Chairperson)

5 of 5

Mr John Abednego

5 of 5

Ms Chelsea Aniba

4.5 of 5

Mr Horace Baira

5 of 5

Mr Kenny Bedford

5 of 5

Mr David Bosun

5 of 5

Mr Seriako Dorante

4.5 of 5

Mr Joseph Elu

5 of 5

Mr Frank Fauid

5 of 5

Mr Joel Gaidan

5 of 5

Mr Yen Loban

5 of 5

Mr Getano Lui

5 of 5

Mr Willie Lui

5 of 5

Ms Hilda Mosby

5 of 5

Mr Aven Noah

5 of 5

Mr John Paiwan

5 of 5

Mr Cygnet Repu

5 of 5

Mrs Patricia Yusia

4 of 5

TSRA 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, 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.

TSRA Board Code of Conduct

The TSRA Board Member’s Code of Conduct and ethics policies are published in the TSRA Board Charter.

Strategic Planning

The TSRA Board held two strategic planning workshops in 2016-2017. The first workshop was held in November 2016 and focused on the incoming Board developing its priorities going forward.

The second strategic planning workshop was held in May 2017. Key elements of the workshop included forward planning and discussions on how the priorities identified by the TSRA Board would be incorporated in the Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022. As part of their discussions Board members also considered the TSRA’s programme structure.

Training and Education

Training for the TSRA Board will be undertaken early in the next financial year. Board members are also eligible to apply for the TSRA’s leadership capacity building programmes. Individual qualifications are stated in the profiles for TSRA 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 TSRA 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, TSRA decisions and achievements as they relate to the Executive Committee’s portfolio responsibilities.

Membership

The 2016-2017 TSRA Executive Committee members and their portfolio responsibilities are shown in Table 4-3.

Table 4-3 Membership of the 2016-2017 Executive Committee

Member

Role

Mr Napau Pedro Stephen

Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Governance and Leadership

Mr Jerry Stephen

Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Fisheries

Mr Eric Peter

Alternate Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Native Title

Ms Chelsea Aniba

Portfolio Member for Safe Communities

Mr Joseph Elu

Portfolio Member for Economic Development

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 2016-2017, the TSRA Executive Committee met three 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

28 November 2016

Nil

Nil

27 February 2017

Nil

Mrs Patricia Yusia, Ms Chelsea Aniba

12 June 2017

Nil

Nil

Table 4-5 Executive Committee Meeting Attendance

Member

Number of meetings attended

Mr Napau Pedro Stephen

3 of 3

Mr Jerry Stephen

3 of 3

Mr Eric Peter

3 of 3

Ms Chelsea Aniba

2 of 3

Mr Joseph Elu

3 of 3

Ms Hilda Mosby

3 of 3

Mr Cygnet Repu

3 of 3

Mrs Patricia Yusia

2 of 3

Other 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 the 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 2016-2017 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 three times in 2016-2017, 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

Absent

29 November 2016

Nil

Nil

28 February 2017

Nil

Nil

13 June 2017

Nil

Nil

Table 4-8 Attendance at Audit Committee Meetings

Member

Number of meetings attended

Mr Adrian Kelly

3 of 3

Mr Horace Baira

3 of 3

Mr Yen Loban

3 of 3

Ms Hilda Mosby

3 of 3

Enabling Functions

Information Management and Technology

Telstra Regional Communications Upgrade

The TSRA, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and Telstra have partnered as co-contributors to a two-stage project which, in the first stage, will provide the platform for 4G technology to a number of sites and deliver an increased network backhaul capacity for the region within the next 12 months.

This new infrastructure project seeks to deliver multiple socioeconomic, educational, health and community safety outcomes for the island communities and peoples of the Torres Strait region, via a significant upgrade and expansion of the existing telecommunications network. The project outcomes will deliver demonstrably improved mobile voice and data coverage for Indigenous communities and increased network bandwidth capacity for service providers in the Torres Strait region. Other benefits of the improved network infrastructure will include enhanced biosecurity, agriculture, and marine safety and border protection measures.

The project outcomes will deliver demonstrably improved mobile voice and data coverage for Indigenous communities and increased network bandwidth capacity for service providers in the Torres Strait region.

Information and Communications Technology Projects

An ICT strategy was completed in the reporting period. The strategy supports a forward-looking strategic approach to ICT investment and utilisation for the TSRA which is closely aligned with the current Australian Public Service (APS) whole-of-government ICT strategy.

From 2016 to 2019, the TSRA will undertake a series of projects to improve ICT service delivery and demonstrate value in each of the three priority areas outlined in the overarching APS strategy. The three areas of priority are: deliver better services; improve the efficiency of government services; and engage openly.

The TSRA has been in negotiation with the vendors of TSRA’s existing finance, human resources, information, content and records management systems to look at the best options for these functions, including possibly moving some services into the cloud, to ensure ongoing ease of access for TSRA staff.

Environmental Sustainability

Section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) requires Australian Government organisations to detail their environmental performance and contribution to ecologically sustainable development. Table 4-9 provides an overview of the TSRA’s environmental activities and operations in relation to Section 516A of the EPBC Act.

Table 4-9 Compliance with the EPBC Act, section 516A

Reporting requirement

TSRA response

How the TSRA’s activities accord with the principles of ecologically sustainable development

The TSRA has reviewed and published an environmental policy outlining measures to improve its ecological sustainability.

During 2016-2017, the TSRA worked on implementing activities identified through its environmental management system, focused on ensuring that the TSRA is taking all reasonable steps to reduce its ecological footprint.

The TSRA’s environmental risks are managed at the project, programme and portfolio levels and are captured in the organisation’s risks and issues registers.

The TSRA maintains an environmental legal and other requirements register.

The TSRA has established a biennial audit process for its environmental management system.

Outcomes contributing to ecologically sustainable development

The TSRA’s Environmental Management Programme contributes to ecologically sustainable development across all Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area communities. This includes:

employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as trainees, rangers and ranger supervisors

partnering with Tagai State College in the horticulture in schools programme

improving animal management and invasive species control, including management strategies for invasive fish, cane toads, and feral dogs impacting on green turtle nesting sites, and developing a regional pest management strategy

producing biodiversity profiles, fauna surveys and fire management plans for all inhabited Torres Strait islands

providing technical assistance to improve food production in the Torres Strait through a sustainable horticulture programme

working with communities for sustainable management of turtles and dugongs

working with Ergon Energy and other partners to increase the use of renewable energy technologies

developing and implementing actions to build sustainability and resilience across the region through planning for climate change impacts

monitoring environmental change across the region.

Environmental impacts of operations

The TSRA is committed to managing its operations and those of its contractors to minimise adverse environmental impacts and protect the environment. There were no recorded adverse environmental impacts from TSRA activities in 2016-2017.

Measures taken to minimise environmental impacts

Actions during 2016-2017 included:

continuing the operation of three solar photovoltaic systems on TSRA office sites, resulting in a projected saving of 140,000 kilowatt hours (or $52,600) per year

continuing to require employees, contractors and suppliers to comply with the TSRA’s environment policy and environmental management systems by

implementing conservation measures in the TSRA’s offices

minimising the environmental impacts through better design and material selection for new staff housing

requiring contractors to comply with relevant environmental regulatory requirements and minimum environmental performance requirements

managing and reporting environmental incidents

monitoring a range of environmental performance indicators, including energy use within TSRA offices, energy ratings of white goods purchased for TSRA staff housing, fuel consumption and vehicle performance

adopting appropriate technologies to reduce travel and reduce the TSRA’s dependency on paper-based filing systems, including

telephone and videoconferencing facilities

iPads, to be used at all formal meetings, reducing paper consumption

an electronic document and records management system.

Risk Management

The TSRA has standardised its processes for the identification, documentation and management of risks and issues. All TSRA projects and managed activities include risk assessments as part of the project planning and approval process. The TSRA’s management of risk is a continuous cycle (as shown in Figure 4-2) involving a systematic process for maintaining risk within an acceptable level.

FIGURE 4-2 TORRES STRAIT REGIONAL AUTHORITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Risk Identification

Risk identification involves identifying the issues that are likely to negatively impact the achievement of the goals of the TSRA. This includes:

political and strategic risks

programme delivery risks

operational support risks.

Risks are identified via:

an annual risk management workshop attended by the TSRA’s Management Group (top-down approach)

completion of individual risk assessments at the programme/project level (bottom-up approach)

audits and assessments conducted through internal and external audit functions.

Risk assessment includes the process of determining the likelihood of a risk occurring and the consequence or impact of the risk.

Risk Appetite

The TSRA is a custodian of the Australian Government’s investment in the future prosperity of the Torres Strait region. Therefore, the TSRA seeks to balance its risk position between:

investment in activities that may drive substantial growth in the region

the need to remain a stable organisation with the capacity to continue to work for the community into the future.

The TSRA’s risk appetite is necessarily around the middle of the risk-taking spectrum. Depending on the results from year to year and community needs, the TSRA may choose to increase or decrease its appetite for higher risk activities.

The TSRA:

accepts a higher risk appetite when approving a new system or process that offers greater processing capacity and efficiencies

accepts a moderate risk appetite for programme outcomes that are aimed at contributing to the regional goals

accepts a low risk appetite for significant breaches of security or unauthorised access to confidential records

accepts a very low risk appetite for risks that would result in physical or mental harm to staff and the environment.

Risk Mitigation

Risk mitigation (or risk reduction) involves developing actions or plans to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. All mitigation steps are assigned an owner and timeframe.

Risk Monitoring

All TSRA employees are expected to identify and manage risks within their span of control.

The members of the TSRA’s Management Group are responsible for:

incorporating suitable risk management activities into business planning (via completion of a risk assessment at the programme or project level)

ensuring that the risk management processes are implemented

ensuring that risk mitigation actions are followed.

The TSRA’s risk management system is:

dynamic – by being responsive to change and assisting corporate learning and continuous improvement

systematic – by being rigorous, transparent and explicit and taking into account stakeholder perspectives

integrated and embedded – in so far as practicable, by reviewing established management planning, decision-making and reporting processes.

The risk management system is based on the better practice principles and processes outlined in the International Standard AS/NZ ISO 31000 Risk Management – principles and guidelines.

Accountability

External Scrutiny

During 2016-2017, the TSRA, as a corporate Commonwealth entity, was accountable to the Parliament of Australia and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

The Auditor-General is the TSRA’s external auditor. The audit of the TSRA’s financial statements is conducted in accordance with an audit strategy agreed to by the Auditor-General and the TSRA. The 2016-2017 audit was conducted in August 2017. A copy of the independent auditor’s report, including the auditor’s opinion, is provided as part of the financial statements in Section 5 of this Annual Report.

Judicial Decisions and Reviews

There were no judicial decisions or reviews in 2016–2017.

Fraud Control

The TSRA has implemented a fraud control framework in accordance with section 10 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth). No incidents of fraud were detected in 2016-2017.

Internal Audit

The TSRA Audit Committee is assisted in the internal audit function by an external contractor, HLB Mann Judd. HLB Mann Judd is responsible for implementing the TSRA’s internal audit programme, which aims to provide assurance that key risks are being managed effectively and efficiently, including that the TSRA complies with regulatory requirements and policies.

Indemnities and Insurance Premiums for Officers

The TSRA indemnifies current and former directors and staff members against liability or costs incurred in connection with any claim brought against them as a result of, or in connection with, their appointment to any office or position in the TSRA. The TSRA holds directors’ and officers’ liability insurance cover through Comcover, the Australian Government’s self-managed fund. The TSRA has an annual insurance renewal process, and reviewed its insurance coverage in 2016-2017 to ensure that it remained appropriate for its operations.

No indemnity-related claims were made during the year, and the TSRA is not aware of any circumstances likely to lead to such claims being made.

The cost of directors’ and officers’ indemnity insurance for 2016-2017 was $7,694.76.

Directors’ Interests Policy

In accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014, the TSRA Board has a policy and process to manage all direct and indirect conflicts of interest, including a register of all directors’ pecuniary interests and a requirement that directors make a formal declaration of their interests at each TSRA board meeting. The declarations are recorded in the minutes of the meeting. The pecuniary interest process applies to all governance committees of the TSRA.

Human Resources

The TSRA’s employees are located at TSRA facilities on Thursday Island, and throughout the island communities of the Torres Strait, Queensland. A small TSRA office in Cairns is used to increase the TSRA’s capacity to attract people with skills and experience not available in the Torres Strait.

The TSRA has a workforce strategy that complements the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 and sets the strategic direction for supporting and developing the TSRA’s workforce.

Workplace Agreement

TSRA staff operate under the TSRA Enterprise Agreement 2017. The terms and conditions of employment are set out in this agreement. The TSRA Enterprise Agreement 2017 came into effect from 6 June 2017.

The salary ranges for staff covered under the current enterprise agreement range from $43,604.02 for an APS level 1 staff member to $138,117.80 for an Executive Level 2 staff member.

Payroll and Leave Records

The human resources and payroll company Frontier Software Pty Ltd provides payroll software to the TSRA to facilitate in-house payroll and leave arrangements.

Learning and Development

The TSRA’s employees attended internal and external learning and development courses throughout 2016-2017. This included programme and project management training, career development training, cultural awareness training, fraud awareness training, accredited relevant university studies and various other courses.

As part of their induction, all new TSRA employees complete the Australian Public Service Commission’s online induction programme. In addition, all TSRA employees who are required to travel as part of their role complete helicopter underwater escape training.

The TSRA Performance Development Programme informs the learning and development required by staff and supports them in achieving the best outcomes possible for them as TSRA employees and as people.

Work Health and Safety

The TSRA fulfilled its responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) in 2016-2017.

The TSRA has a work health and safety management system. There were five notifications made to Comcare under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) during the year arising from undertakings by the TSRA.

There were no investigations conducted during the year relating to undertakings carried out by the TSRA and there were no notices given to the TSRA during the year under the Comcare legislation.

The TSRA’s Work Health and Safety Committee comprises TSRA staff and managers who are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to protect employees from risks to their health and safety. The Work Health and Safety Committee works cooperatively to manage all the TSRA’s work health and safety policy and operational matters. Employees are informed of current issues and receive occupational health and safety publications from Comcare and other sources when available. The TSRA has trained employees who undertake duties as first-aid officers, fire wardens and work health and safety representatives.

The TSRA has an active early intervention and injury management strategy in place and continues to use occupational therapy services to provide ergonomic support, advice and case management services. The TSRA provides staff who travel frequently in helicopters as part of their duties with helicopter underwater evacuation training, and provides flu vaccinations as well as a healthy lifestyle reimbursement of up to $200 per year for employees.

The TSRA has in place a Preventing Bullying and Harassment Policy and two trained harassment contact officers are available to provide employee support. The TSRA engages lngeus Australia Pty Ltd trading as Assure Programs (ACN 152 509 37) to provide Employee Assistance Programme services to employees where required.

Workplace Diversity

The TSRA is committed to supporting a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity, and to ensuring that the TSRA workforce is representative of the broader community. The TSRA upholds the Australian Public Service Values and strives to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises the diversity of the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities that it serves.

All TSRA staff receive up-to-date information on developments in human resources, including developments in equal employment opportunities, harassment-free workplaces and workplace diversity. Employees can also access publications from the Australian Public Service Commission and other related agencies.

Workplace Consultative Arrangements

The TSRA fosters and promotes workplace consultation through regular management, programme area and staff meetings. In addition, the TSRA conducts regular meetings with staff representatives on the Workplace Consultative Committee. As appropriate, management consults with employees on major workplace changes, the development of guidelines and policies applying to employment conditions, and the development and implementation of an enterprise agreement.

Privacy

The Australian Information Commissioner did not issue a report on the TSRA under section 30 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and no personal privacy complaints were made against the TSRA during the reporting period.

Staffing Profile

Tables 4-10 and 4-11 provide information on the TSRA’s employee numbers and classifications as at 30 June 2017.

Table 4-10 Staff Profile at 30 June 2017 by Classification

Classification

Number of staff

Senior Executive Service or equivalent

2

Executive Level 2

6

Executive Level 1

21

Australian Public Service (APS) 6

25

APS 5

35

APS 4

6

APS 3

25

APS 2

20

APS 1

19

Total

159

Table 4-11 Staff Profile at 30 June 2017 by Equal Employment Opportunity Group

Classification

Male

Female

Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal

People with disability

Senior Executive Service or equivalent

2

0

2

0

Executive Level 2

3

3

1

0

Executive Level 1

9

12

4

0

Australian Public Service (APS) 6

12

13

13

1

APS 5

10

25

30

0

APS 4

2

4

6

0

APS 3

14

11

25

0

APS 2

11

9

20

0

APS 1

17

2

19

0

Total

80

79

120

1

Other Reportable Matters

Freedom of Information

Entities 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. 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. A plan showing what information the TSRA publishes in accordance with the requirements is available on the TSRA’s website (www.tsra.gov.au/information-publication-scheme2).

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 staff accommodation, consisting of 57 houses and apartments. The TSRA also owns and maintains the historic Green Hill Fort, which is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

In addition, the 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 are carried out in a way that meets the TSRA’s obligations to environmental sustainability, meets government procurement guidelines and supports Indigenous and local businesses.

The TSRA offices have been through significant and ongoing upgrades to IT systems, equipment, air-conditioning and other soft infrastructure to ensure compliance and scalability to meet current and future demands.

TSRA-owned properties are maintained in line with a five-year maintenance plan, which aims to reduce the cost of reactive property maintenance through planned, targeted property maintenance practices, ensuring that the properties are safe, sustainable, well maintained and fit for purpose.

A major project approved by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, for an 18-dwelling residential development on Clark Street, Thursday Island, was completed in the 2016-2017 year. The construction of this housing has reduced the TSRA’s reliance on rental accommodation and will provide longer term financial benefits for the TSRA.

In 2018-2019 the TSRA will undertake further capital works projects, with funding from a grant of $2.989 million from the Australian Government Public Service Modernisation Fund.

One project, involving construction of a commercial building on Thursday Island, will be completed with a minimum Indigenous participation rate of 90 per cent, meaning that 90 per cent of all work hours will be carried out by Indigenous tradespeople and labourers. The new facility will provide increased environmental sustainability and an improved working environment for TSRA staff. The project will be a showcase of sustainable design in remote areas, incorporating solar technology, sustainable water use and other environmental design technologies.

Community infrastructure projects on the outer islands of the Torres Strait in 2017-2018 will include the construction of a multipurpose facility on Erub Island. The Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation and the TSRA have entered into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement for the use of land for the construction of the facility, which will provide a suitable base for TSRA land and sea rangers and their vessels and vehicles and other TSRA assets.

The TSRA is also looking to provide opportunities for other government agencies and non-government organisations to lease office spaces within these facilities.

Disclosure of Sacred Matters

In accordance with Section 144ZB(4) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), the TSRA Annual Report 2016-2017 does not disclose any matters known to the TSRA to be held sacred by Torres Strait Islanders or Aboriginal people.

Appendix 1: Organisational Structure

Appendix 2: Advertising and Market Research

The TSRA advertises all ongoing vacancies and non-ongoing vacancies of more than 12 months using the APSjobs and SEEK websites, as well as other selected national advertising. The TSRA uses the Australian Government’s preferred supplier, Dentsu Mitchell Media Australia Pty Ltd, to advertise tenders and recruitment notices.

The TSRA also uses Far North Queensland region-based print media for advertising job vacancies, for publishing media releases and tenders, and for distributing the TSRA Community Newsletters, in line with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.

The TSRA did not conduct any advertising campaigns or make payments to market research, polling, direct mail or media advertising organisations in 2016-2017.

Appendix 3: Grants

Table 6-1 Details of grants (total from audited financial statements – detail unaudited)

Grant recipient

Grant activity

Amount ($)

Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh (TSI) Corporation

Bronzing and etching art workshops

23,000

Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh (TSI) Corporation

Art Centre operational funding

50,000

Bamaga Enterprises Limited

Blaik Coral Band CD recording

24,000

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Limited

Torres Strait Dance Strategy

20,000

Department of Transport and Main Roads

Transport infrastructure development

210,000

Enterprise Management Group

Torres Strait Marine Pathways

1,000,000

Erub Ewer Meta TSI Corporation

Promote Erub artists' participation in the Cairns and Darwin Indigenous art fairs

17,000

Erub Ewer Meta TSI Corporation

Arts Enrichment Programme – CIAF and painting workshop

25,000

Erub Ewer Meta TSI Corporation

Arts Enrichment Programme

25,000

Erub Ewer Meta TSI Corporation

Art Centre operational funding

50,000

Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners (TSI) Corporation RNTBC

Prescribed Body Corporate support

10,500

Kaziw Asesered Le Association

Arpaka Dance Company participation at Yirramboi Melbourne Indigenous Art Fair

30,000

Kaziw Asesered Le Association

St Pauls – traditional art using mosaic techniques

11,450

Kaziw Asesered Le Association

St Pauls 5th annual raft race

7,000

Kos and Abob Fisheries (TSI) Corporation

Ugar Purple Spider dance team ‘Our Languages’

25,000

Lena Passi Women’s Shelter

Social justice interagency services

34,820

Malu Lamar (TSI) Corporation RNTBC

Prescribed Body Corporate support

50,750

Mer Gedkem Le (TSI) Corporation RNTBC

Mabo Day celebrations

27,000

Mer Gedkem Le (TSI) Corporation RNTBC

Prescribed Body Corporate support

84,545

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc

Healthy Happy Homes

11,933

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc

Billy Bann – Kaziw Meta College Dance Group

25,000

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc

Operational support

1,480,000

Ngalmun Lagau Minaral TSI Corporation

Moa Art – Sydney 2017

23,525

Ngalmun Lagau Minaral TSI Corporation

Art Centre operational funding

50,000

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

Anzac Day celebrations

11,374

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

Mabo Day celebrations

11,885

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

Events coordinator

100,000

NPA Family and Community Services ATSI Corporation

NPA Cookbook and cooking classes

27,579

One Blood Hidden Image Entertainment Group

Seaman Dan Walking Frame Blues

9,850

Opnor Bakir Atabur (TSI) Corporation

Fit out of art studio – Segar Passi

25,000

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School

Cairns Eisteddfod 2017

25,000

Port Kennedy Association

Operational support

1,140,000

Port Kennedy Association

After school care programme

124,500

Seisia Fishing Association

Colina Wymarra recording music CD

24,000

Tagai State College

Regional Language Centre

70,200

Tagai State College

Promoting culture through traditional songs and dance

10,000

Thursday Island Justice TSI & Aboriginal Corporation

Offenders Support Program

27,650

Torres Shire Council

Events coordinator

100,000

Torres Shire Council

2017 Torres Shire Council Multicultural Festival

24,000

Torres Strait Island Regional Council

Sing Strait Style

13,050

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Engineering Services

Water-related services

1,700,000

Torres Strait Islander Media Association

Mabo Day celebrations

25,000

Torres Strait Islander Media Association

Operational support

390,000

Torres Strait Major Infrastructure and Other Projects Trust Fund

Major Infrastructure Project 6

1,500,000

Torres Strait Major Infrastructure and Other Projects Trust Fund

Hammond Island Wharf upgrade

290,000

Torres Strait Major Infrastructure and Other Projects Trust Fund

Prince of Wales Jetty project

6,000,000

Torres Strait Major Infrastructure and Other Projects Trust Fund

Community minor infrastructure

681,031

Torres Strait Major Infrastructure and Other Projects Trust Fund

Transport infrastructure

500,000

Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association

Operational support

1,950,000

TRAWQ Indigenous Corporation

Tamwoy Town 60th anniversary celebrations

25,000

TRAWQ Indigenous Corporation

Mabo Day celebrations

32,082

Total

18,152,724

Appendix 4: Consultants

All consultants engaged under section 144T of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth) were engaged using the standard terms and conditions for the engagement of consultants by the TSRA as set out in the instrument referred to in section 144T(3). There were no significant differences between those terms and conditions and how consultants were engaged.

Table 6-2 Details of consultants (total from audited financial statements – detail unaudited)

Name

Amount ($)

Purpose

Selection process

Justification code

Acuro

7,259

Business support panel

Open tender

B

Arafura Consulting

110,183

Anthropological services

Direct sourcing

B

David Fell Environmental

40,938

Biocultural surveys

Direct sourcing

B

David Fell Environmental

11,928

Masigal Calendar

Direct sourcing

B

Davidson Workplace Solutions Pty Ltd

18,529

Enterprise agreement consultation and negotiation

Direct sourcing

B

Deltapoint Pty Ltd

39,278

Human resource support

Direct sourcing

B

Di Chambers

14,402

Technical research and policy drafting

Direct sourcing

B

Effective Governance

67,295

TSRA Board induction

Select tender

B

Emamulda Consulting

51,350

Anthropological services

Direct sourcing

B

Environmental Systems Solutions

130,736

Traditional ecological knowledge system

Open tender

B

Fieldworx

17,900

Second Language Symposium

Direct sourcing

B

Gabriel Bani

46,364

Dugong and Turtle Management Plan review

Direct sourcing

C

Grant Thornton

4,091

Business support panel

Open tender

B

HLB Mann Judd

16,026

Internal audit

Open tender

B

James Cook University

110,000

TropWATER seagrass research and monitoring

Direct sourcing

B

James Cook University

11,815

Seagrass training rangers and staff

Direct sourcing

B

James Cook University

46,079

TropWATER wetland and mangrove programme

Direct sourcing

B

Kleinhardt

9,678

Business support panel

Open tender

B

KPMG

13,684

Business support panel

Open tender

B

Miromaa Aboriginal Language & Technology Centre

53,700

Language Symposium conference

Direct sourcing

B

Ocean Time Marine

10,599

Vessel safety management system

Direct sourcing

B

Pacific Social Mapping

8,975

Anthropological services

Direct sourcing

B

PDM Consultancy

3,600

Probity plan for REIS business growth package

Direct sourcing

B

Regional Advisory and Innovation Network

10,500

IPA management plan update

Direct sourcing

B

Samuel Taylor

219,531

ICT support and integration

Direct sourcing

B

SC Lennon and Associates Pty Ltd

59,319

REIS framework

Open tender

C

Squiz Australia

20,000

ICT for REIS implementation

Direct sourcing

B

Stuart Boyd-Law

18,182

Feral pig eradication

Direct sourcing

B

Sydney Institute of Professional Studies

2,750

Certificate IV in Government Delivery

Direct sourcing

B

Tagai State College

110,000

Environmental education coordinator

Direct sourcing

B

Terraform Design Pty Ltd

59,400

Land and sea management investment prospectus

Select tender

C

Terri Janke and Company

12,057

Law workshop delivery

Direct sourcing

B

University of Wollongong

3,000

Advice on draft tropical rock lobster management plan

Select tender

C

WildFish Research

10,000

Investigate development of bait fishing industry

Select tender

B

YUMI Education

218,916

TS Language Centre

Direct sourcing

B

Zakazukha Marketing Communications

75,465

Media support services

Open tender

B

Total

1,663,529

REIS = Regional Economic Investment Strategy

Justification code:

A Skills currently unavailable within TSRA.

B Need for specialised or professional skills.

C Need for independent research or assessment.

Section 7

Corporate Commonwealth Entity Compliance

This Annual Report is prepared in accordance with section 144ZB of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth) and all other sections; section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth); and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014.

As a corporate Commonwealth entity, the TSRA is also required to prepare an annual report in accordance with the requirements of other legislation, namely the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth), the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).

Table 7-1 below details the reporting requirements and provides the locations of the relevant information within this Annual Report.

Any enquiries relating to the compliance index can be directed to the TSRA by phone on (07) 4069 0700 or (toll free) 1800 079 093, or by email to info@tsra.gov.au.

Table 7-1 Torres Strait Regional Authority compliance index

Guiding legislation requirement

Page reference

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth) – section 144ZB

(2) Certain matters must be included in the Annual Report. The TSRA must include in each Annual Report details of:

Any directions given by the Minister under section 142E

79

Any consultants engaged under section 144T

151-3

(3) Report must include details of grants. If a grant was made by the TSRA during a financial year to an individual or body, then, in addition to the matters referred to in subsections (1) and (2), the annual report for that year must set out:

The name of the individual or body

148-50

The amount and purpose of grant

148-50

(4) Report must not disclose sacred matters:

The TSRA must not disclose in any annual report any matters known by the TSRA to be held sacred by Torres Strait islander or Aboriginal persons

113

(5) Report must include certain details about consultants

If an annual report gives details of a consultant engaged under section 144T, the report must set out any significant differences between the terms and conditions on which that consultant was engaged and the standard terms and conditions for the engagement of consultants by the TSRA as set out in the instrument referred to in subsection 144T(3)

151-153

Table 7-1 Torres Strait Regional Authority compliance index

Guiding legislation requirement

Page reference

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014

Approval of the report by directors

Section17BB

xix

Parliamentary standards of presentation

Section 17BC

Throughout

Plain English and clear design

Section 17BD

Throughout

Enabling legislation

Paragraph 17BE(a)

77

Legislated objects and functions

Paragraph 17BE(b)(i)

76-78

Purpose

Paragraph 17BE(b)(ii)

15

Responsible minister

Paragraph 17BE(c)

79

Ministerial directions

Paragraph 17BE(d) and (f)

79

Policy orders

Paragraphs 17BE(e) and (f)

None to report

Annual performance statements

Paragraph 17BE(g)

15-20

Significant issues related to financial compliance

Paragraph 17BE(h) and (i)

None to report

Information on the accountable authority or each member of the accountable authority

Paragraph 17BE(j)

85-102

Organisational structure

Paragraph 17BE(k)

146

Location

Paragraph 17BE(l)

68, 109

Governance

Paragraph 17BE(m)

84-102

Related entity transactions

Paragraphs 17BE(n) and (o)

Financial statements

Significant activities and changes

Paragraph 17BE(p)

None to report

Judicial decisions or decisions of administrative tribunals

Paragraph 17BE(q)

108

Reports by the Auditor-General, a parliamentary committee, the Commonwealth Ombudsman or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Paragraph 17BE(r)

107, 111

Information from subsidiaries

Paragraph 17BE(s)

Not applicable

Indemnity and insurance

Paragraph 17BE(t)

108

Compliance index

Paragraph 17BE(u)

156-157

Other reporting requirements

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918

Section 311A

147

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Section 516A

104-105

Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Schedule 2, Part 4

110

List of Tables

Table

Table Title

Page

Table 2-1

Appropriation programme expenditure, budget compared to actual, 2016-2017

14

Table 2-2

External funding programme expenditure, budget compared to actual, 2016-2017

14

Table 2-3

Number and value of concessional business loans

16

Table 2-4

Into Business Workshops participation

16

Table 2-5

Tropical rock lobster catch statistics

17

Table 2-6

Finfish fisheries catch statistics for Traditional Inhabitant Boat licensees

17

Table 2-7

Bêche-de-mer catch statistics for Traditional Inhabitant Boat licensees

17

Table 2-8

Percentage of Torres Strait commercial fishery ownership, 2016-2017

17

Table 2-9

Active artists and cultural practitioners

18

Table 2-10

Key Native Title Representative Body results

18

Table 2-11

Number of Indigenous Land Use Agreements finalised

19

Table 2-12

Community-based management plans

19

Table 2-13

High-level engagements by TSRA Board Members

19

Table 2-14

Prescribed Bodies Corporate compliance results

20

Table 2-15

Economic Development Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

22

Table 2-16

Fisheries Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

29

Table 2-17

Fisheries Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

29

Table 2-18

Culture, Art and Heritage Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

34

Table 2-19

Culture, Art and Heritage Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

34

Table 2-20

Native Title Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

39

Table 2-21

Native Title Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

39

Table 2-22

Performance statistics – Native Title Office

42

Table2-23

Environmental Management Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

46

Table 2-24

Environmental Management Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

46

Table 2-25

Governance and Leadership Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

51

Table 2-26

Healthy Communities Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

56

Table 2-27

Healthy Communities Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

56

Table 2-28

Safe Communities Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

60

Table 3-1

Total population of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

72

Table 3-2

Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal population of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

72

Table 3-3

Gender balance of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

72

Table 3-4

Average age of population of the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

73

Table 3-5

Employment in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

73

Table 3-6

Education in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

74

Table 3-7

Median Wealth in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia ($/week)

74

Table 3-8

Tenure of private dwellings in the Torres Strait including Bamaga and Seisia

75

Table 4-1

Board meeting dates and apologies

97

Table 4-2

Board meeting attendance

98

Table 4-3

Membership of the 2016-2017 Executive Committee

100

Table 4-4

Executive Committee meeting dates and apologies

100

Table 4-5

Executive Committee meeting attendance

101

Table 4-6

Audit Committee members

102

Table 4-7

Audit Committee meeting dates and apologies

102

Table 4-8

Attendance at Audit Committee meetings

102

Table 4-9

Compliance with the EPBC Act, section 516A

104

Table 4-10

Staff profile at 30 June 2017 by classification

111

Table 4-11

Staff profile at 30 June 2017 by equal employment opportunity group

112

Table 6-1

Details of grants (total from audited financial statements – detail unaudited)

148

Table 6-2

Details of consultants (total from audited financial statements – detail unaudited)

151

Table 7-1

Torres Strait Regional Authority compliance index

156

List of Figures

Figure

Figure Title

Page

Figure P-1

Map of the Torres Strait region

v

Figure 2-1

Torres Strait Regional Authority integrated planning framework

13

Figure 3-1

The Torres Strait

68

Figure 4-1

Torres Strait Regional Authority governance framework

84

Figure 4-2

Torres Strait Regional Authority risk management process

105

Figure 6-1

Torres Strait Regional Authority structure

146

Abbreviations

Acronym

Meaning

AEC

Australian Electoral Commission

AFMA

Australian Fisheries Management Authority

APS

Australian Public Service

CALM

Conservation and Land Management

CDP

Community Development Programme

COAG

Council of Australian Governments

DOGIT

Deeds of Grant in Trust

EPBC Act

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

FOI Act

Freedom of Information Act 1982

GTCC

Gab Titui Cultural Centre

IBA

Indigenous Business Australia

ILUA

Indigenous Land Use Agreement

IPA

Indigenous Protected Area

ISD

Integrated Service Delivery

MIP

Major Infrastructure Programme

MOA

memorandum of agreement

MOU

memorandum of understanding

NGO

non-government organisation

NMA

National Museum of Australia

NTO

Native Title Office

NTRB

Native Title Representative Body

ORIC

Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations

PBC

Prescribed Body Corporate

PNG

Papua New Guinea

PSC

Programme Steering Committee

PZJA

Protected Zone Joint Authority

REIS

Regional Economic Investment Strategy

RNTBC

Registered Native Title Body Corporate

TEK

traditional ecological knowledge

TIB

Traditional Inhabitant Boat

TIDS

Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme

TRAWQ

Tamwoy, Rosehill, Aplin, Waiben and Quarantine

TSC

Torres Shire Council

TSI

Torres Strait Islander

TSIRC

Torres Strait Island Regional Council

TSRA

Torres Strait Regional Authority

Index

A

abbreviations, 163-164

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth), 79, 80, 99, 101

disclosure of sacred matters, 113

enabling legislation, 76, 77

functions and powers under, 77, 78

requirement to convene board meetings, 97

requirement to develop a plan, 12, 76

requirement to hold elections, 53, 85

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989 (Cth), 76

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, 61, 63

accidents and injuries, staff, 7, 110

accountability, 107-108

accountable authority, 15, 85

advertising and market research, 147

affordable housing project, Horn Island, 57, 58

age, of Torres Strait region population, 73

Ailan Kastom, 35, 60, 69, 77

analysis of performance against key performance indicators, 16-20

annual performance statements, 15-20

anthropological research re Native Title claims, 40

appropriation programme expenditure, 14; see also financial statements

Arpaka Dance Company, 35

art centres, regional, support for, 35

Artist Forum, 18

artists, support for, 18, 35; see also Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, 10th

Arts and Creative Industries Business Growth Package, 23

asset management, 112-113

Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme (TSRA employees), 8, 52

Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Qld), 63

Assure Programs, 110

Attorney-General’s Department, 61, 63

Audit Committee, 52, 85, 101-102, 108

Auditor-General, 107; see also Australian National Audit Office, independent audit report

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 69, 71

Australian Electoral Commission, vi, 2, 54

Australian Fisheries Management Authority, xiii, 32

partnership with, 30

Australian Government funding for Major Infrastructure Programme, 20, 56, 59, 62

Australian Government Public Service Modernisation Fund, 113

Australian Information Commissioner, 111

Australian National Audit Office, independent audit report, 107, 116-117

Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, 31

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, partnership with, 4, 53

Australian Rural Leadership Programme, 4, 52

B

Badu Island, 4, 35, 47, 53, 61, 85

Katter Leases, 40

Badulgal People, Native Title claims, 40

baitfish fishing industry, potential for, 30

Bamaga, 46, 53, 54, 71-75, 85

barge ramp repairs, 20, 61

bêche-de-mer fisheries

catch statistics, 17

traditional ownership of, ix, 17, 30

bilateral meetings (Torres Strait Treaty Cycle), xi

biodiversity planning and management, 47, 104; see also Environmental Management Programme

Board

composition, 76, 85

elections, vi, 2-3, 53-54

engagement with governments, vi, 19

functions, 85

induction programme, vi, 3, 99

meetings and attendance, 97-98

members, 85-97

training and education, 99

Board Charter, 98, 99

Board Member’s Code of Conduct, 98, 99

Board strategic workshops, 4, 52, 99

Boigu Island, 4, 46, 47, 53, 56, 61, 85

Katter Leases, 40

mapping traditional totem boundaries on, 44

business loans, 16, 22, 25

business support services, 22, 23

business training, 16, 22, 23, 25

C

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, 35

Cape York Land Council, negotiations re Native Title claims, 40

capital works projects, 113

case studies

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks exhibition, 37

meeting the challenge of climate change, 49-50

safe drinking water supply, 58-59

Saibai seawall project, 64

10th Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, 38

Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook, 32

Torres Strait Mechanics, 27-28

TSRA Board elections, 53-54

25th anniversary of the Mabo decision, 43-44

Cash for Kaiar (video), 30

catch data (fisheries), 16, 17, 30, 32

Charter of Representation, Performance and Accountability, 98

Chief Executive Officer, message from, 6-9

climate change adaptation and resilience, 48, 104

case study, 49-50

Closing the Gap, progress towards, 70-75; see also Integrated Service Delivery

coastal inundation, protection from, x, 56, 64

code of conduct, Board, 98, 99

Comcare, 7, 110

Comcover, 108

Commonwealth Heritage List, 112

community capacity building activities, 8, 23, 30, 32, 41, 62

Community Development Programme, 23

job seeker placements under, 23, 26

community engagement activities, 4, 6, 52

community halls, development of, 25

Community Minor Infrastructure Fund, 57, 62

community safety partnerships, 61

compliance index, 156-57

conflicts of interest, declaration of, 108

Conservation and Land Management project, 25

consultants, 151-153

corporate governance and accountability, 84-113

Council of Australian Governments, 70

Closing the Gap building blocks, 71

cultural maintenance programme, 35; see also Culture, Art and Heritage Programme

cultural practitioners, support for, 18, 35

culture, art and heritage grants, 35

Culture, Art and Heritage Programme, 34-38

case studies, 37-38

expenditure, 14, 34

performance report, 35-36

programme outcomes, 34

projects and initiatives, 34

regional goal, 34

culture, Torres Strait region (overview), 69

D

Damaralag, Native Title rights, 69

dance strategy, 35

Dauan Island, 46, 53, 61, 85

barge ramp repairs, 20, 61

transfer to the Meriam people, 44

Deeds of Grant in Trust, xiv, 24, 40, 41

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, xiv

commitment on telecommunications upgrade, xiii, 103

partnership agreement on biosecurity services, 46

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, xi, 36

desalination units, 48, 56, 58, 59

disclosure of sacred matters, 113

domestic and family violence conference, funding for, 61

drinking water supplies, ensuring availability of, case study, 58-59

dugong management plans, xiv, 19, 47

E

ecologically sustainable development measures, corporate, 104-105

Economic Development Programme, 22-28

additional programme specific performance indicators, 25-26

case study, 27-28

expenditure, 14, 22

performance report, 23-26

programme outcomes, 22

projects and initiatives, 22

regional goal, 22

education statistics, Torres Strait region, 74

Eip Karem Baizam dance team, 35

elections, TSRA Board, vi, 2-3, 53-54

Employee Assistance Programme, 110

employment and training projects, 25; see also Community Development Programme

employment statistics, Torres Strait region, 73

enabling functions, corporate, 103-113

enabling legislation, 76, 77

energy conservation measures, corporate, 105

Ensuring a Strait Start, 61

enterprise agreement, 109

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), 104

environmental education project, 46

environmental health infrastructure investment, 20, 56

environmental impacts, measures to minimise, 105

Environmental Management Committee (Torres Strait Treaty Cycle), xi

Environmental Management Programme, 45-50

additional programme specific performance indicators, 48

case study, 49-50

expenditure, 14, 46

performance report, 46-48

programme outcomes, 45

projects and initiatives, 45

regional goal, 45

environmental performance report, 104-105

Ephraim Bani Gallery, cultural exhibition programme, 35

Ergon Energy, 48, 104

Erub Island, 46, 53, 57, 61, 85, 113

Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation ILUA with, 113

ethical standards, Board, 98

event management position, funding of, 24

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks exhibition, 35, 36

case study, 37

Executive Committee, 99-101

export of fisheries products, feasibility study, 30

external audit programme, 52

external scrutiny, 107

F

feasibility studies, 24, 30, 48

female staff, 112

feral animal control measures, 46, 104

financial outlook, 8; see also financial statements

financial performance summary, 14; see also financial statements

financial statements, 118-144

independent audit report, 116-117

finfish fisheries

capacity building, 30, 32

catch statistics, 17 (see also catch data (fisheries))

leasing licences to non-Indigenous fishers, 31

traditional ownership of, ix, 17, 30

Finfish Quota Management Committee, 31

First Nations National Constitutional Referendum, ix

First Nations Regional Dialogue, ix

First Nations Voice, call for enshrinement in Constitution, ix

fisheries, ix, xi, xiii, 16, 29-33

catch statistics, 16, 17, 30, 32

traditional ownership of, ix, xiii, 16, 17, 30

Fisheries Bilateral meeting, xi

Fisheries Business Growth Package, 23, 25

applications, xi

fisheries cadetship, 30

Fisheries Programme, 29-33

additional programme specific performance indicators, 32

case study, 32-33

expenditure, 14, 29

performance report, 30-32

programme outcomes, 29

projects and initiatives, 29

regional goal, 29

Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, partnership on fisheries research projects, 30

Fisheries Status Reports 2017, 16

Fly River pollution, impacts on Torres Strait, 47

fraud control, 108

Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth), 112

freehold arrangements, xiv, 75; see also land tenure arrangements

Freshwater, Saltwater exhibition, 36

Frontier Software Pty Ltd, 109

functions, TSRA, 77-78

Future Acts notices, 18, 40, 43

G

Gab Titui Cultural Centre, 35, 36, 37, 112

Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, 10th, 35

case study, 38

gender

of Torres Strait region population, 72

of TSRA staff, 112

geography and logistics, xiv, 68

Governance and Leadership Programme, 51-54

additional programme specific performance indicators, 52-53

case study, 53-54

expenditure, 14, 51

performance report, 52-53

programme outcomes, 51

projects and initiatives, 51

regional goal, 51

governance framework, 84-102

grant management system, implementation of new, 6

grants, 30, 57, 61, 148-150

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, xiv

Green Hill Fort, 112

Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime project, 24

Gudamalulgal (Top Western) Island Group, new fishery industries feasibility study, 30

Gudang Yadheykenu people, Eastern Claim of Sea Claim Part B, 40

Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council, vii, 2, 41

H

Hammond Island, 4, 35, 53, 61, 85

Katter Leases, 40

marine infrastructure repairs, 20, 61

health education initiatives, 57

Health Issues Committee (Torres Strait Treaty Cycle), xi

Healthy Communities Programme, 55-59

additional programme specific performance indicators, 58

case study, 58-59

expenditure, 14, 56

performance report, 56-58

programme outcomes, 55

projects and initiatives, 55

regional goal, 55

High Court Mabo decision; see Mabo decision

highlights and achievements, vi-xi

history, of Torres Strait region, 69

History Through Art Award (NMA), 38

HLB Mann Judd (accountancy firm), 101, 108

home loans, 22, 24

Home Ownership Programme, 24

Horn Island, 35, 46, 57, 58, 59, 61, 68

Native Title rights, 69

see also Ngarupai

housing tenure, Torres Strait region, 75

human resources, 109-112

human rights of Indigenous peoples, viii, 71

I

Iama Island, vi, 3, 53, 61, 85

ICT strategy, 103

income statistics, Torres Strait region, 74

indemnities and liability insurance, 108

Indigenous Advancement Strategy, 70, 71

Indigenous Business Australia, funding agreement with, 24

Indigenous Economic Development Conference, 23

Indigenous Electoral Participation Programme, 54

Indigenous employees, TSRA, 8, 112

Indigenous Land Use Agreements, 43, 113

with compensation and benefits, 18-19, 40

Indigenous Legal Assistance and Policy Reform Programme, 63

Indigenous Protected Areas project, 47

induction programme, Board, vi, 3, 99

information and communications technology projects, 103, see also telecommunications infrastructure upgrade

information management and technology, 103

Information Publication Scheme, 112

Ingeus Australia Pty Ltd, 110

insurance premium, cost, 108

integrated planning framework, 13

Integrated Service Delivery, xv, 12, 52

Closing the Gap targets as framework for, 71

Integrated Service Delivery community booklets, 52, 71

Integrated Service Delivery governance framework, xv, 71

intellectual property protection, artists and cultural practitioners, 35

internal audit programme, 52, 108

Into Business Workshops, 16, 23, 25, 28

invasive species management, 45, 104

J

job seeker placements under Community Development Programme, 23, 26

Joint Advisory Council (Torres Strait Treaty Cycle), xi

judicial decisions and reviews, 108

K

Kaiwalagal region, 19, 47

Kala Kawau Ya, iii; see also traditional languages, revitalisation of

Kala Lagau Ya language, iii, 36; see also traditional languages, revitalisation of

Katter Leases, xiv, 40

Kaurareg People Native Title claims, 18, 40, 69

Kaurareg people, Western Claim of Sea Claim Part B, 40

Keriba mirgiz ermeuku/Ngalpun ney koey mapulnga ‘Our Languages Matter’ (theme for Torres Strait Language Symposium), xi

key performance indicators, results against, 16-20; see also performance indicators, additional programme specific

Kubin, Moa Island, 25, 53, 61, 85

L

Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait 2016-2036, 47

land tenure arrangements, xiv, 24, 57, 75; see also Deeds of Grant in Trust; freehold arrangements; Katter Leases; Native Title arrangements

leadership capacity development, 4-5, 8, 52, 53

learning and development, staff, 109

legal services, funding support for, 61

letter of transmittal, xix

liability insurance, 108

list of figures, 162

list of tables, 160-161

M

Mabo Day Symposium, vii

Mabo decision, 69

case study, 43-44

25th anniversary celebrations, vii, xiii, 2, 6, 35

Mabo v Queensland (No 2) (the Mabo Case), 2, 43; see also Mabo decision

Mabuyag Island, 4, 25, 53, 61, 85

Katter Leases, 40

Major Infrastructure ILUA, 40

Major Infrastructure Programme, 20, 40, 56, 58, 59, 62

Makarrata Commission, ix

male staff, 112

Malu Ki’ai (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation, 44

Maori fisheries management model, lessons from, 31

marine ecosystem monitoring, 47

marine infrastructure, 20

maritime career pathways training courses, 23, 24

Masig Island, 53, 57, 61, 85

barge ramp repairs, 20, 61

media and communications support, 52

Mekem Garden Sustainable Horticulture Project, 58

memorandum of agreement, with Torres Strait Island Regional Council, 7

memorandum of understanding

with Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, 61

with Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, 44

with Torres Shire Council, 7

Mentors project, 25

Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation, vii, 2, 44

Mer Island, 25, 40, 46, 53, 61, 85

Mabo Day celebrations, vii, 2

transfer to the Meriam people, 44, 69

Mer Reserve, transfer to the Meriam people, 44

Meriam Mir language, iii, 36; see also traditional languages, revitalisation of

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, vi, 40, 80, 107

gazettal of polling date, 2, 54

renewal of NTRB status, 76

responsible minister, 79

ministerial appointments, 80

ministerial briefings, 80

ministerial directions, 79

Ministry for the Arts, 36

Mipa (Turtle Island), Native Title rights, 69

Moa Island, 35, 46, 61

barge ramp repairs, 20, 61

Katter Leases, 40

mobile network coverage, as challenge, xv

Monument at ‘Kemus Cove’ Erub (art work), 38

Mualgal People, Native Title claims, 40

multipurpose courts, development of at Thursday Island, 25

Mura Kosker Sorority, funding support for, 62, 63

Muralag (Prince of Wales Island), 53, 85

Native Title rights, 69

Murray Island (Mer), vii; see also Mer Island

Music and Dance Audit, 36

My Pathway, 24, 25

N

Naghir Island, Native Title claim, 40

National Museum of Australia

purchase of Gab Titui Art Award entries, 38

Torres Strait masks exhibition, 36, 37

National Native Title Conference, 2, 40

National Native Title Tribunal, 18, 43

Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), 40, 69, 76

Native Title arrangements, xiv, 2, 39-44, 57, 69; see also Native Title claims

Native Title claims, 18, 39-44

Native Title compensation, 2, 19, 40, 43

Native Title Office, vii, 2, 40, 41, 43-44

performance statistics, 42

Native Title Programme, 39-44

additional programme specific performance indicators, 41

case study, 43-44

expenditure, 14, 39

performance report, 40-42

programme outcomes, 39

projects and initiatives, 39

regional goal, 39

Native Title Representative Body, 18, 43

TSRA appointment as, 76

Native Title Symposium, 2, 40

Ngarupai, 41, 53, 85

Native Title rights, 69

see also Horn Island

Ngulayg Lumayk (art work), 38

1967 Referendum, 50th anniversary celebrations, xiii, 6

non-compliance matters, prescribed bodies corporate, 41

non-government organisations, social services delivery, 62

non-Indigenous fishers, lease of licences to, 31

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, 12, 24

Northern Territory Government, ministerial visit, vii-viii

notifiable incidents, 7, 110

O

Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, 20, 41, 44

operations, report on, 68-80

opportunities and challenges, xiii-xv

organisational structure, 146

outlook, 8

P

Papua New Guinea electoral officials, observers in TSRA Board elections, vi

Papua New Guinea, participation in Torres Strait Treaty Cycle Meetings, xi

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, approval of residential dwelling, 113

payroll services, 109

pecuniary interests, declaration of, 108

people with disability, 112

Performance Development Programme, 109

performance indicators, additional programme specific, 25-26, 32, 41, 48, 52, 58, 63; see also key performance indicators, results against

performance reports, programme, 22-65

planning framework, 13

population statistics, Torres Strait region, 69, 71-75

Port Kennedy, 53, 54, 85

Port Kennedy Association, funding support for, 62, 63

Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-2017, 12

Poruma Island, 48, 53, 61, 64, 85

powers, TSRA, 78

Prescribed Bodies Corporate

compliance results, 20, 41

workshops, 40, 41

Preventing Bullying and Harassment Policy, 110

Prince of Wales Safe Landing Facility project, 56

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), 111

programme expenditure, 14, 29, 34, 39, 46, 51, 56, 60

external funding, 14, 29, 34, 39, 46, 56

see also financial statements

programme outcomes

Culture, Art and Heritage Programme, 34

Economic Development Programme, 22

Environmental Management Programme, 45

Fisheries Programme, 29

Governance and Leadership Programme, 51

Healthy Communities Programme, 55

Native Title Programme, 39

Safe Communities Programme, 60

programme performance reports, 22-64

Programme Steering Committee, 101

property management, 112-113

Protected Zone Joint Authority, 16, 29, 30

fishery industry representation initiatives, 31, 32

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act Rule 2014, 108

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth), 15, 76, 85, 99, 101, 108

Pulu Islet Indigenous Protected Area, 47

purpose, corporate, 15

Q

Queensland Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, 62

Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, 20, 61

Queensland Government, 19, 35, 71

coastal protection initiative, 56, 64

environmental management funding, 46

infrastructure funding, xiii, 20, 56, 59, 62, 64

Native Title arrangements, 40, 44

R

rangers, TSRA, 46, 47, 104

legislative compliance training, xiv

recycling initiative, 57

Referendum Council, ix

regional art centres, support for, 35

Regional Economic Investment Strategy, xi, 7, 23

regional governance arrangements, vi, 3

regional issues and challenges, vi, xiii-xv

Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, 44

renewable energy initiatives, 48, 104, 105

responsible minister, 79; see also Minister for Indigenous Affairs

risk management, 105-107

S

Safe Communities Programme, 60-64

additional programme specific performance indicators, 63

case study, 64

expenditure, 14, 60

performance report, 61-63

programme outcomes, 60

projects and initiatives, 60

regional goal, 60

safety awareness education, 62

Saibai Island, x, 4, 46, 47, 53, 56, 61, 64, 85

Saibai seawall project, x, 56

case study, 64

salary ranges, staff, 109

scholarships, tertiary, 52; see also Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme (TSRA employees)

school attendance initiatives, 61

sea level rises, protection from, x, 56, 64

seawalls, construction of, x, 56, 64

Seisia, 53, 68, 71-75, 85

service delivery; see Integrated Service Delivery

shipping, potential impact on marine ecosystem, 47

significant regional events funding stream, xiii, 6, 35

Smarty Grants (grants management system), 6

social housing infrastructure, ILUA, 40

Social Justice Interagency Programme, 61

solar energy for desalination units, feasibility study, 48

solar farm project, on Poruma, 48

sport and recreation activities, 57, 58

St Pauls, Moa Island, 4, 25, 53, 59, 85

stadium upgrades, 57

staff classifications, 111

staffing profile, 8, 111-112

Statement of Expectations, 79

Statement of Intent, 79

strategic workshops, Board, 4, 52, 99

Supply Nation, artist registration with, 18

Supply Nation Connect 2017, 23

sustainable horticulture activities, 46, 57, 58, 104

T

TAFE North Queensland, 24

Tagai State College, xi, 24, 25, 36, 47, 74

Tarilag (Packe Island), Native Title rights, 69

telecommunications infrastructure upgrade, xiii, xv, 20, 103

Telstra, commitment on telecommunications upgrade, xiii, xv, 20, 103

tertiary scholarships, 52; see also Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme (TSRA employees)

Thursday Island, xi, 35, 46, 59, 61, 68

feasibility study of tourist information centre, 24

TSRA properties on, 109, 112, 113

Zenadth Kes Cultural Festival, 35

Thursday Island Garden Fair, 46

Timber Creek, test ILUA case, 19, 40

Torres News, 46

Torres Shire Council, 12, 24, 25, 46, 57

memorandum of understanding with, 7

partnership on climate resilience plan, 49

Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Biosecurity Working Group, 12

Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, governance arrangements for, vi, 3

Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan 2009-2029, 12, 71, 101

Torres Strait Child and Family Committee, 61

Torres Strait Development Plan, viii, 4; see also Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022; Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018

Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022, 8, 99

Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018, 6, 8, 12, 52, 71, 76, 101, 109

Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook, 30

case study, 32-33

Torres Strait flag raising, 25th anniversary celebrations, xiii, 6, 35

Torres Strait freehold arrangements, xiv; see also land tenure arrangements

Torres Strait Island Regional Council, xiii, 12, 40, 56, 59, 64

memorandum of agreement with, 7

partnership on climate resilience plan, 49

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Water and Waste Water Management Programme, 56

Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people employment opportunities, 26

Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people owned businesses, 16, 25

Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, TSRA employees, 8, 112

Torres Strait Islander Traditional Language Advisory Committee, 5, 36

Torres Strait Islanders Media Association, 52

Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council, 61

Torres Strait Language Reference Group, dissolution of, 5, 36

Torres Strait Language Symposium, xi, 5, 36

Torres Strait Maritime Pathways Project, 23

Torres Strait Maritime Safety Programme, 61

Torres Strait Mechanics, case study, 27-28

Torres Strait Regional Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2016-2021, 48, 49-50

Torres Strait Regional Authority, establishment of, 76

Torres Strait Regional Biosecurity Plan 2017-2022, 46

Torres Strait Regional Sea Claim (Part B), 18, 40

Torres Strait Traditional Languages Charter, 5, 36

Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan 2016-2019, 5, 36

Torres Strait Treaty Cycle Meetings, xi

Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Programme, 4, 53

Torres Strait Young Leaders Programme, 4, 53

Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association, 57

Tourism Business Growth Package, 23

tourism industry, 23, 24

tourist information centre on Thursday Island, feasibility study, 24

Traditional Inhabitant Boat licence sector, 31

catch statistics, 16-17

Traditional Inhabitants

ownership of region’s fisheries, ix, xiii, 17, 30, 31

participation in Torres Strait Treaty Cycle Meetings, xi

Traditional Inhabitants Meeting (Torres Strait Treaty Cycle), xi

traditional knowledge, transfer of, 35, 47, 69; see also Ailan Kastom; Culture, Art and Heritage Programme

traditional languages, revitalisation of, ix, 5, 36; see also Torres Strait Traditional Languages Charter; Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan 2016-2019

Training Rural Australians in Leadership programme, 4, 52, 53

transmittal letter, xix

transport and freight costs, as challenge to programme delivery, xv

Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, 61

TRAWQ, 53, 54, 85

tropical rock lobster fisheries, 30

catch statistics, 17

licences, commercial, ix, xiii

traditional ownership of, 17, 30

TSRA Board elections, vi, 2-3

case study, 53-54

TSRA Corporate Plan 2016-2017, 76

TSRA Enterprise Agreement 2017, 109

TSRA Regional Governance Committee

establishment and membership of, vi, 3

turtle management plans, xiv, 19, 47

U

Ugar Ged Kem Le Zeuber Er Kep Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC, 44

Ugar Island, 53, 56, 85

mapping traditional boundaries on, 44

‘Uluru Statement,’ ix

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, viii, 71

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, visit from, viii

V

value-add brand of Torres Strait seafood, potential for, 30

vision, iii

W

Waier Island, transfer to the Meriam people, 44

wards, TSRA, 53, 85

Warraber Island, 4, 46, 53, 61, 85

Warraberalgal Porumalgal Indigenous Protected Area, 47

Warral and Ului Native Title claim, 18

Warul Kawa Indigenous Protected Area, 47

waste education project, 57

waste management, 57

water and waste water management, 56, 59

water security, 20, 56, 58-59

website, redesign of Economic Development Programme areas, 24

weed control measures, 46

women’s leadership programme, 4, 52, 53

work health and safety, 7, 110

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), 7, 110

Work Health and Safety Committee, 7, 110

workforce profile, 8, 111-112

workforce strategy, 109

Working on Country Plans, xiv, 19, 46

Workplace Consultative Committee, 111

workplace diversity, 110

Y

Yangu Pawaw Ngurpay Mudh language centre, 36

Yeta (Port Lihou Island), Native Title rights, 69

Yirramboi First Nations Indigenous Arts Festival, 35

youth leadership programme, 4, 52, 53

Z

Zakazukha Marketing Communications, 52

Zenadth Kes Cultural Festival, 35

Zuna (Entrance Island), Native Title rights, 69