Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09 

• 2.1 Outcomes and performance information

2.1 Outcomes and Performance Information

The Australian Government requires agencies to measure their intended and actual performance in terms of outcomes. Government outcomes are the results, impacts or consequences of actions by the Government on the Australian community. Agencies are required to identify the output groups which demonstrate their contribution to Government outcomes over the coming year.

Each outcome is described below by output groups, specifying the performance indicators and targets used to assess and monitor the performance of the Torres Strait Regional Authority in achieving Government outcomes.

2.1.1 Outcome 1: To Achieve A Better Quality Of Life And To Develop An Economic Base For Torres Strait Islander And Aboriginal Persons Living In The Torres Strait

Outcome 1 Strategy

TSRA will continue to forge and maintain effective partnerships across all levels of government in order to achieve this Outcome, which targets the improvement of circumstances for Indigenous Australians in the region through contributions to positive Indigenous development in the Torres Strait.

TSRA is committed to focusing on delivery of outcomes and benefits. This is achieved through identifying improvement practices and innovative ways in which program delivery can occur, including through internal and external processes of accountability, compliance, performance monitoring and management. One of the key methods identified by TSRA in identifying and delivering benefits for the Torres Strait is through effective and appropriate communication and consultation at the community level.

In undertaking this approach, TSRA will ensure cultural match and alignment within programs and initiatives to improve the potential for success in contributing to the national priority outcomes.

Outcome 1 Resource statement

Table 2.1.1 provides additional detail of Budget appropriations and the total resourcing for Outcome 1.

Note: Departmental Appropriation splits and totals, by outcome and output, are indicative estimates and may change in the course of the budget year as government priorities change.

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Contributions to Outcome 1

Output Group 1.1: Economic Development

Output Group 1.1 aims at improving wealth creation and economic sustainability for Indigenous people in the Torres Strait region. TSRA is accelerating economic development in the region through a number of mechanisms including:

• the delivery of business development forums in each island cluster in order to identify realistic business opportunities, raise business awareness and assess community perceptions of economic development opportunities
• the creation of strategic partnerships with tourism industry agencies and organisations to facilitate progression of tourism and economic development in the region.

TSRA is committed to delivering training opportunities and employment outcomes in the most appropriate and effective manner for all Torres Strait communities.

The Community Development, Employment and Training output contributes to successful employment outcomes for Indigenous people living in the Torres Strait, strengthening communities through improved economic sustainability of individuals and families.

This output is achieved through:

• TSRA administering the Community Development and Employment Program (CDEP) for the Torres Strait region, targeting transition of participants to non-CDEP employment
• the delivery of targeted training programs to enhance skill sets that address community development needs and non CDEP employment opportunities.

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Output Group 1.3: Native Title

The overall objective of the Output 1.3 is to strengthen the cultural identity of the traditional inhabitants of the Torres Strait through the securing of legal recognition of native title to land and waters in the Torres Strait, and providing assistance for the legal protection of native title rights in relation to matters affecting Torres Strait land and waters. Activities contributing to this output include:

• performing Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) functions as the NTRB for the Torres Strait region
• support and assistance for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) following successful determinations recognised at law. TSRA’s vast experience in the Native Title field is demonstrated through assisting 19 of the 26 successful land claims to be resolved for the region. Of the 21 PBCs in the TSRA NTRB region, TSRA actively supports 20 PBCs. Three further land claims have been made by traditional owners and with the Torres Strait Regional sea claim currently being progressed, determinations will cover the vast majority of the Torres Strait region.

Output Group 1.4: Housing and Environmental Health Infrastructure

The Housing and Environmental Health Infrastructure output aims to increase the number of Indigenous people in the area with access to adequate housing, infrastructure facilities and essential municipal services, consistent with and appropriate to their needs. This output directly contributes to improving the safety, health and standards of living of communities in the Torres Strait by providing appropriate and sustainable infrastructure, as well as ensuring that adequate environmental health programs are implemented. Contributions to this output include:

• coordination of the Major Infrastructure Program (MIP) in partnership with the Queensland Government
• coordination of the Heavy Equipment Management Training Program (HEMTP) in partnership with the Queensland Government
• coordination of strategic regional housing and infrastructure alliances, employing a whole-of-government approach to local solutions.

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Output Group 1.5: Social, Cultural and Development

The Social, Cultural and Development output aims to preserve and enhance the cultural identity of Indigenous people in the Torres Strait region. A number of initiatives contribute to the achievement of this output through programs and facilities to promote and support the preservation of Ailan Kastom and land and sea resources in the Torres Strait.

Many interdependencies exist with other TSRA outputs through artist development, cultural heritage preservation and promotion of Indigenous culture and art from the Torres Strait.

Further, effective and necessary environmental resource management practices are researched and deployed targeting sustainable use of resources whilst assisting with job creation and capacity-building for individuals and communities.

Output Group 1.6: Policy and Information

The Policy and Information output aims to ensure ongoing professional support is provided to the elected arm of TSRA assisting with the development and revision of key policy and strategic directions aligned with both the National Indigenous Affairs agenda and the need of the local communities.

Attendance and participation at key partnership meetings is essential to advocate and gain support for outcomes for the Torres Strait. Participation in the development of regional policies and planning with mainstream Government and state agencies, along with support for attendance by TSRA Board members and senior executive staff is a key function of this output.

Dissemination of information to the public, and in particular our communities, on the operation and achievements of TSRA is another important initiative. This will continue by utilising mediums such as regular publications of community newsletters and the TSRA annual report, as well as providing such information at important community forums.

TSRA also provides support and coordination of the Community Fisher Group, delivering a collaborative approach to representation of the interests of Indigenous fishers.

A key output of the Board for 2008–09 will be the finalisation of the next four-year Development Plan providing TSRA with a clear strategic focus for this period in delivering defined benefits for the people and communities of the Torres Strait.