The communities of the Torres Strait are seeking self-determination and regional sovereignty, outlined in a four point plan called ‘The Masig Statement - Malungu Yangu Wakay (Voice from the Deep)’.
The release of the statement followed prime minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney’s visit to the region last week.
During this visit, representatives from communities across the Torres Strait Islands came together to speak to the the pair about the issues that most concern them.
Standing alongside the Uluru Statement
On Tuesday, Torres Strait Islander people came together again, this time to deliver their own plan on Masig (Yorke) Island to coincide with the 85th anniversary of the First Island Councillor Conference, which took place on the same Island in 1937.
The four aims outlined in the Masig Statement are to achieve self-determination for the people of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula area; freely determine political status and pursue economic, social and cultural development; self-government in matters relating to internal and local affairs, and create partnerships with regional stakeholders, and the Queensland and federal governments to achieve the region's goals and aspirations.
The document seeks a beginning of regional sovereignty in the Torres Strait by August 2037, heralding the release of the Masig Statement as ‘the beginning of a new beginning’.
Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) Mayor Phillemon Mosby, said the Masig Statement can work alongside the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and support the Voice to Parliament.
“The Masig Statement is a mandate from the people for the leaders of our region to stand together in unity, to support things like the Uluru Statement to support the movement of First Nations people, for their rights and interests to be reflected and enshrined in the fundamental document of this country, the constitution," he told The Point.
"We fully support that ... We see that voice to parliament and constitutional change will give our voice a unique place in this country."
In fact, Thomas Mayor said the Torres Strait Islander ‘Voice from the Deep’ will only add strength to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was launched in 2017.
(L-R) Phillemon Mosby, Ned David, John Abendego,Yen Loban, Joseph Elu, Getano Lui, Patricia Yusia. Source: Talei Elu
“I think Torres Strait Islanders being a part of the voice will lift that voice and make it stronger, and the other way around,” he said.
“Listening to the conversations here, the common issues I’ve heard as I’ve travelled the country, talking about the Uluru Statement and the voice campaign, there are similar issues here.
“It’s only going to be stronger and we’re only going to see improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when it all comes together in the referendum.”
North Peninsula Area Regional Council mayor Patricia Yusia said she’s proud to be part of this process.
Torres Strait man and author, Thomas Mayor. Source: Talei Elu
“I think the touching thing for me is everyone wants to make a difference and everyone wants to work in collaboration," she said.
“Everyone acknowledges the Torres Strait is unique and also everyone is acknowledging what the leaders before them have done for Torres Strait.”
A region coming together
Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby the statement is not an attempt for the Torres Strait to become its own territory.
“Our message was quite clear from day dot, we’re not talking about something new, this conversation has existed since 1937… Torres Strait Islanders wanted more control and self-determination,” he said.
“We’re not asking to be a separate state or territory, this is asking for a voice, that our voice be heard, that we’re in control of our own affairs.”
Instead, Mr Mosby said its about the region coming together to work as one.
“Voice your opinion, get behind the people who are trying to make a difference,” he said.
“I think it’s a statement for individuals to get involved in signing that statement as a way of working in collaboration, to have unity, one voice for Torres Strait Islanders.”
Torres Strait Island Regional Council mayor Phillemon Mosby. Source: Talei Elu
