The Torres Strait Regional Authority has welcomed the public release of the Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Final Report to the federal government – including recommendations to ensure Torres Strait Islanders from the Torres Strait and mainland Australia are represented.

The Final Report proposes National Voice membership include two members from the Torres Strait, plus an additional member living on the mainland to represent Torres Strait Islanders.

Chair Pedro Stephen said the TSRA was among thousands of people, communities and organisations involved in the co-design process to develop models and options for an Indigenous Voice and to enhance local and regional decision-making.

“The TSRA supports the Indigenous Voice proposal as a mechanism that will allow Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people to influence legislation and policy decisions that directly impact their communities,” Mr Stephen said.

“The TSRA board met with the Indigenous Voice National Co-design Group Co-chair Donna Odegaard and Senior Advisory Group co-chair Tom Calma in 2021.

“Our submission highlighted the need for representation of Torres Strait Islanders living in the region, but also on the mainland and their distinct cultures, experiences and aspirations.

“More than 50,000 people on the mainland identify as Torres Strait Islander or Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal, including significant populations in Queensland and Western Australia.

“I am pleased the Final Report builds upon views shared in community consultation, including advocacy by the TSRA board.”

Mr Stephen said the proposed membership approach would help ensure equity and inclusivity to represent the diverse perspectives of Indigenous Australians.

“The TSRA welcomes opportunities which support the voices of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people across our region and nation, including in work as important as an Indigenous Voice.”

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 18 January 2022.