Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 (Qld)

Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991

An Act providing for the grant, and the claim and grant, of land as Torres Strait Islander land, and for other purposes Whereas— 1 Before European settlement land in what is now the State of Queensland was occupied, used and enjoyed by Torres Strait Islanders in accordance with Island custom. 2 Land is of spiritual, social, historical, cultural and economic importance to Torres Strait Islanders. 3 After European settlement many Torres Strait Islanders maintained their ancestors' customary affiliation with particular areas of land. 4 Some Torres Strait Islanders have a historical association with particular areas of land based on them or their ancestors having lived on or used the land or neighbouring land. 5 Some Torres Strait Islanders have a requirement for land to ensure their economic or cultural viability. 6 Some land has been set aside for Torres Strait Islander reserves or for the benefit of Torres Strait Islanders and deeds of grant in trust are held on behalf of certain Torres Strait Islanders. 7 The Parliament is satisfied that Torres Strait Islander interests and responsibilities in relation to land have not been adequately and appropriately recognised by the law and that this has contributed to a general failure of previous policies in relation to Torres Strait Islanders. 8 The Parliament is further satisfied that special measures need to be enacted for the purpose of securing adequate advancement of the interests and responsibilities of Torres Strait Islanders and to rectify the consequences of past injustices. 9 It is, therefore, the intention of the Parliament to make provision, by the special measures enacted by this Act, for the adequate and appropriate recognition of the interests and responsibilities of Torres Strait Islanders in relation to land and thereby to foster the capacity for self-development, and the self-reliance and cultural integrity, of Torres Strait Islanders.