Torres Strait Islanders Push for Secession

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Background

In mid-October, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, reignited debate on the long-term future of the Torres Strait Islands, by backing the Islanders’ long-term aspirations for succession from the state in a letter to Prime Minister Julia Gillard. As noted by Ms Gillard, however, increased autonomy would have lasting implications for the community.

Comment

The right to self-government has been an ongoing ambition for the group of islands, which are at present under the jurisdiction of the state of Queensland. The aim is for Islanders to play a greater role in shaping the future of its land and people, though absolute independence from Australia is not part of this objective. While previous attempts at gaining the right to self-government, via the creation of an independent Territory, have failed, there are positive arguments that can be made in favour of this movement.

 Recognising the special status of Islanders as traditional rulers of their land, would return the natural rights that European settlement undoubtedly removed from those inhabitants. These include the right to coordinate economic activity within the island group, particularly agriculture and natural resource extraction. The clear benefit of an autonomous Torres Strait Islands group would be a new sense of self-reliance. A new system would promote accountability and enable its society to take on greater responsibility in matters affecting the region.    

A more localised delivery of services, too, would assist the general wellbeing of Island communities. Currently, the government of Queensland directs many services to the area, though there is a feeling amongst locals of being a low priority for their external government. An additional advantage may be a stronger preservation of the culture of the Torres Strait Islands. Under the supervision of those who embody this culture, a valuable opportunity to conserve a particularly unique region of Australia would be made possible.

Notwithstanding these potential benefits, there remain areas which cast doubt on the likely success of such a proposal. The Torres Strait Islands have not been without difficulties during the decades of state rule. The reality of limited economic opportunities makes the question of funding a major factor to be considered in this movement. It appears impossible for the Islanders to fund services to an acceptable level, therefore an arrangement between the State and Commonwealth governments would be necessary. There is also a lack of adequate infrastructure to allow for commercial or demographic growth in the Torres Strait.

These circumstances combine to make self-government in the region extremely difficult, and potentially problematic for Australia. Careful consideration is needed to ensure that any arrangement is viable on a long-term basis; though it does have the key support it requires in the Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh. Ultimately, though, the solution must come from the Commonwealth. Section 111 of Australia’s constitution does allow states to surrender territory to the Australian government, and there is a precedent in the separation of the Northern Territory and South Australia.

Taking into account arguments for and against the case for greater autonomy of Torres Strait Islanders, a resolution to the problem may be found in a compromise deal. Such a deal would reject full Territory status, based on the lack of commercial and human resources required to operate at this level, but grant specific levers for control of matters which affect the daily lives of Islanders, for instance, environmental and cultural protection and the organisation of commercial production.

Matt Jacob

FDI Research Intern

Northern Australia and Energy Security Research Programmes

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