Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09 

• 1.1 Strategic direction
• 1.2 Agency resource statement
• 1.3 Budget measures

1.1 Strategic Direction

The key functions of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) as outlined in section 142A of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Act 2005 are:

• to recognise and maintain the special and unique Ailan Kastom of Torres Strait Islanders living in the Torres Strait area
• to formulate and implement programs for Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal persons living in the Torres Strait area, including programs conducted by other bodies
• to monitor the effectiveness of programs for Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal persons, living in the Torres Strait area
• 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
• to assist, advise and cooperate with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities, organisation, and individuals at national, state, territory and regional levels
• to advise the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs on matters relating to Torres Strait Islander affairs and Aboriginal affairs in the Torres Strait area, including the administration of legislation; and the coordination of activities of other Commonwealth bodies that affect Torres Strait Islanders or Aboriginal persons living in the Torres Strait area
• when requested by the Minister, to provide information or advice to the Minister on any matter specified by the Minister
• 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
• 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
• such other functions as are conferred on TSRA by the Act or any other Acts
• such other functions as are expressly conferred on 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
• to undertake such research as is necessary to enable TSRA to perform any of its other functions
• to do anything else that is incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the preceding functions.

TSRA has one outcome—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. TSRA’s vision is:

‘To empower our people to determine their own affairs based on our unique Ailan Kastom bilong Torres Strait from which we draw our unity and strength’

TSRA’s programs contribute to the three priority outcomes of the Reporting Framework outlined in the Productivity Commission report on Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage, namely:

• safe, healthy and supportive family environments with strong communities and cultural identity
• positive child development and prevention of violence, crime and self-harm
• improved wealth creation and economic sustainability for individuals, families and communities.

2008–09 is poised to be a significant year for TSRA on a number of fronts. A new Board was elected in 2007–08 by the Torres Strait people to provide strategic policy guidance to the Authority in its role as peak government agency in the Torres Strait.

The next Development Plan for the Authority will be composed throughout 2008–09 to encompass the following four years. This process will involve a review of TSRA programs and enhancement of the performance management framework. The review will focus on demonstrated contribution to national Indigenous affairs and relevance to the specific needs and culture of the people and communities of the Torres Strait region.

TSRA will continue to forge partnerships with key agencies at all levels of government to integrate planning and deliver positive outcomes within the region. TSRA will continue to progress an evidence-based approach to the delivery of these outcomes.

Distance and transport constraints impact on the costs of providing fair and equitable access to government services and service delivery, and impede the reduction or removal of Indigenous disadvantage within the Torres Strait. Land tenure must also be considered in all components of program delivery in the region. The environmental resource capacity of the land and sea also provide areas of risk for the Communities of the Torres Strait. Each of these components requires careful consideration and integrated planning at all levels of government for the region.

[ top ]

1.2 Agency Resource Statement

Table 1.1 shows the total resources from all origins. The table summarises how resources will be applied by outcome and by administered and departmental classification.

Third Party Drawdowns from and on behalf of other agencies

TSRA does not have any Third Party Drawdowns from and on behalf of other agencies.

1.3 Budget Measures

TSRA has no measures in the 2008–09 Budget.