Torres Strait Regional Authority to step away from native title service delivery after 26 years

After 26 years, a new organisation is taking on the role of native title service delivery for the Torres Strait Islands in a step towards self determination.

THE Torres Strait Regional Authority is stepping away from native title service delivery after 26 years, achieving 28 native title determinations that cover about 40,000 sqkm during its tenure.

Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) took over the service delivery role from July 1 and is now responsible for native title legal support to native title holders, claimants and Prescribed Bodies Corporate.

GBK Chairman Lui Ned David said the move was a step towards self-determination and the role is now with the right people.

“You’re pretty much handing the accountability for native title to … the traditional owners,” he said.

“They can exercise self-determination. You’re giving the native title agenda to a First Nations group in the region so they can mange their own affairs.”

Mr David thanked said GBK was the more authentic voice to advocate on behalf of Torres Strait Islander people concerning the issue of native title.

“We have the cultural authority,” he said.

Prior to taking on this responsibility, GBK provided services such as Community Development Program delivery. They also championed local causes and advocacy bodies such as the Torres Strait Eight, who sought to take a case against the previous Australian Government to the United Nations over claimed climate change inaction.

GBK also previously secured Indigenous Land Use agreements for communities in the Torres Strait Islands.

The transition of native title service delivery was marked in ceremony on June 29, 2022. TSRA board members Danie Savage and John Paiwan present artwork to GBK Chairman Lui Ned David (middle) to commemorate the new era. Photo: supplied.

“We pretty much did a lot of the native title rep body work even though we didn’t have the formal responsibility and we worked through a lot of that by building relationships,” said Mr David.

“That set the tone for everyone to realise that we were probably the more appropriate body to deliver this service.

“We’re excited, but it’s early days.”

Mr David said processes that traditional owners and native title claimants have grown accustomed to won’t change at all.

“If you’re a traditional owner, no matter where you are in the Torres Strait Region, this is your organisation. You own this organisation and it’s answerable to you,” he said.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority will continue to deliver its other programs such as economic development, regional infrastructure and environmental management for Indigenous people in the region.

Originally published as Torres Strait Regional Authority to step away from native title service delivery after 26 years