The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) congratulates the CEO of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Mr Wayne See Kee, for his recognition of service on the 2016 Queens Birthday Honours List.
He was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the TSRA. AFMA works closely with the TSRA as part of the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA), managing commercial fishing in the Torres Strait in northern Australia.
Mr See Kee is the first Indigenous Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority. He has transformed the organisation’s approach from the outputs focus of the early years to an outcomes focus, which is based on extensive regional consultation and the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Regional Plan 2009 – 2029.
Mr See Kee led the restructuring of the TSRA into eight outcomes based programs and also the reforming of the Council of Australian Governments building blocks for closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.
His key achievements include securing external funding for the Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program and to establish and operate the Torres Strait Ranger Program. He has also assisted the TSRA to gain recognition as the Community Development and Projects / Remote Jobs and Community Development agreement manager, and also the Native Title Representative Body for the Torres Strait Region.
Mr See Kee’s understanding of the needs of Indigenous people in the region, and his insight into the changing world of Indigenous policy, has enabled him to adopt a proactive approach in adjusting the TSRA programs and outcomes to remain relevant to government and the region.
The Queen’s Birthday 2016 Honours List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community work, Australia’s Defence Force and Emergency Services.
For more information on Torres Strait fisheries management, visit the PZJA website at www.pzja.gov.au.