TSRA’s Indigenous Recruitment and Career Development Strategy launched

Media Release - Torres Strait Regional Authority

Coinciding with the start of the 2021 NAIDOC week celebrations, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) launched its first ‘Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Recruitment and Career Development Strategy 2021-2024’.

The Strategy has been developed over the last 12 months. Extensive consultation was conducted with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal staff.

It builds on the TSRA’s strategic goals and vision by increasing Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal participation in the Australian Public Service, and enhanced satisfaction of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal staff within the organisation.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the Strategy recognised the unique history and circumstances within the TSRA as the Commonwealth’s leading agency on Indigenous affairs in the region.

“Enabling Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal staff to realise their career aspirations and potential is a core value of the TSRA.” Chair Stephen said.

“I am proud that we have launched this Strategy - it builds on the inclusive workplace culture and empowerment of our Staff.  Further, it exemplifies the importance of cultural integrity and recognises Ailan Kastom and traditional Aboriginal cultures.”

The TSRA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Leilani Bin-Juda PSM, worked on the development of the Strategy from inception to delivery.  She said, “The Strategy showed a deep commitment and investment in TSRA’s future workforce by recognising the immense contribution Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal employees make to the Australian Public Service”.

“It was important that the Strategy identified key areas of focus including Cultural Integrity, Career Pathways, and Career Development and Advancement,” Ms Bin-Juda said.

The Strategy aligns with the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-2024, as well as the National Agreement on Closing the Gap measures.

Torres Strait Islander artist, Ms Rachelle Pilot, designed the green turtle image featured on the Strategy’s cover.  The design was created by a technique of using salt which when dried crystalises the paint. 

A copy of the ‘TSRA Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Recruitment and Career Development Strategy 2021-2024’, can be found at TSRA Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Recruitment & Career Development Strategy 2021-2024.