Since 1999 there have been over twenty consent determinations in Torres Strait. This seminar examines the establishment and operation of the region’s Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs) – the bodies that hold in trust or manage native title on behalf of the native title holders. Like RNTBCs elsewhere in the country, those in Torres Strait have struggled to effectively administer their land management functions and discharge their corporate governance obligations. Lack of capacity, resources and funding have been cited as reasons why this is the case. I argue that a range of cultural and region-specific issues must also be examined if such institutions are to effectively represent and manage the interests of native title holders into the future. Australian (Western) concepts of governance articulate uneasily with Torres Strait Islander customary practices (known as Ailan Pasin or Ailan Kastom), in particular, leadership, decision making and community politics. There has been little attempt to ‘recognise’ these aspects of Torres Strait Islander law and custom and consider their role in, and implications for governance. Other factors influencing their operation include local administrative structures, the Torres Strait Diaspora and a lack of culturally appropriate capacity development initiatives.

Dr Garrick Hitchcock is a social anthropologist and cultural heritage manager who has worked in Torres Strait since 1999. His PhD research (1995-1998) was undertaken on the Torassi or Bensbach River area of Papua New Guinea’s Western Province, near the border with the Indonesian province of Papua. From 1999-2003 he was Anthropologist in the Native Title Office, Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). Since that time he has continued to work in Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea as a consultant.
 

For more information:
Pamela McGrath,
Centre for Native Title Anthropology
E pam.mcgrath@anu.edu.au

T 02 6125 5859