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

Yumi pasin – yumi Ailan Kastom. Strong in culture, unified partnerships to achieve a sustainable future.

Ngalpun pawa a danalayg matha kaymel bangal KALA LAGAW YA

Meriba tonar, merbi gedira tonar a merbi areriba tonar batkapda a bakeli au kelakela beli iako mi kikemem nabakiawar MERIAM MIR

Ngalpan mina Pawa a Ngalpan mina Igililnga.Ngaru bangal urapun KALA KAWAU YA

Organisational planning

The TSRA’s programs and activities are transitioning to be guided by the Torres Strait Development Plan 2023-28. This Plan was developed by the TSRA Board in accordance with section 142D of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005.

Following the Development Plan’s endorsement by the Minister for Indigenous Australians on 23 February 2024, the TSRA is working to embed the Plan in our corporate and program planning moving forward into the 2024-25 financial year.

The TSRA’s Corporate Plan 2023-24, available in PDF and Word formats, remains aligned to the Torres Strait Development Plan 2019-22.