Dauareb man Charlie Kaddy has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), a leading voice for Indigenous Affairs in the nation’s remote far north.
Mr Kaddy has served as acting CEO for the federal government statutory body since May 2024.
His three-year appointment to 2028 was approved by the Minister for Indigenous Australians following a national recruitment process.
Mr Kaddy said it was a privilege to oversee TSRA’s day-to-day administration supported by a strong local workforce.
“I am honoured to be appointed as CEO at this exciting time as we welcome a new TSRA Board in 2025,” Mr Kaddy said.
“Our dedicated workforce will work alongside TSRA’s Board to ensure stability, dedication and commitment to our people, communities, land and sea of the Torres Strait.
“Together we will continue TSRA’s 30-year legacy to elevate and advocate for the Torres Strait with support from our staff, board, families and communities.”
The executive appointment also reflects TSRA’s commitment to ‘grow its own’ among a workforce of 153 staff with 84 per cent identifying as Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal people (as at 30 June 2024).
Mr Kaddy joined TSRA in 1995 – just a year into its establishment – before rising up the ranks.
He brings more than 20 years of experience in the Australian Public Service, including with not-for-profit organisations and the region’s peak native title body, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK).
Located in the nation’s far north, TSRA is one of the most remote federal government agencies, and supports programs across the region, including for 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.
It is a statutory body and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait for Indigenous Affairs, operating under the direction of a community-elected board.
The Torres Strait stretches 150 kilometres northwards from Cape York Peninsula to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and up to 300 kilometres from east to west. This 48,000 km² area includes more than 270 islands and reefs.
Learn more about TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au
Bio
Mr Charlie Kaddy is a proud Dauareb man from the Meriam Nation of the Torres Strait.
He is passionate about making a difference and looks forward to working closely with external and internal stakeholders to deliver targeted priorities and outcomes for First Nations people living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (Seisia and Bamaga).
He has a deep commitment towards closing the gap priorities for the region. Mr Kaddy is dedicated to the cultural, social and economic development of the region and is a strong advocate for local issues including cost of living, fisheries and native title.
Mr Kaddy is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and is a Fellow of the Australian Leadership Foundation.