The TSRA

About the Torres Strait Regional Authority

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

The primary functions and responsibilities for the TSRA are defined under Section 142A of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005.

They include to:

— recognise and maintain the special and unique Ailan Kastom of Torres Strait Islanders living in the Torres Strait region

— formulate and implement programs for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal persons living in the Torres Strait region

— monitor the effectiveness of programs for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal persons living in the Torres Strait region, including programs conducted by other bodies

— develop policy proposals to meet national, state and regional needs and priorities of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal persons living in the Torres Strait region

— assist, advise and cooperate with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities, organisations, and individuals at national, state, territory and regional levels

— advise the Minister for Indigenous Australians on matters relating to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal affairs in the Torres Strait region, including the administration of legislation and the coordination of the activities of other Australian Government bodies that impact the Torres Strait region.

Our vision

NGALPUN YANGU KAABA WOEYDHAY, A NGALPUN MURUYGAW DANALAGAN MABAYGAL KUNAKAN PALAYK, BATHAYNGAKA (KALA LAGAU YA)

BUAIGIZ KELAR OBAISWERARE, MERBI MIR APUGE MENA OBAKEDI, MUIGE MERBI ARERIBI TONARGE, KO MERBI KEUB KERKEREM (MERIAM MIR)

NGALPAN MOEBAYGAL THOEPOERIWOEYAMOEYN, NGALPAN YA KUDUTHOERAYNU, NGALPAN IGILILMAYPA, SEPA SETHA WARA GOEYGIL SEY BOEY WAGEL (KALA KAWAU YA)

EMPOWERING OUR PEOPLE, IN OUR DECISION, IN OUR CULTURE, FOR OUR FUTURE

Organisational planning

TSRA continues to draw on the Torres Strait Development Plan 2019-2022. This plan is required under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005. Steps are underway to develop the the next Development Plan.

The TSRA Corporate Plan 2023-24, available in PDF and Word format, is a requirement under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and also aligns with the Torres Strait Development Plan 2019-2022.