Historic security treaty must translate into real safety, says TSIRC Mayor
Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor: “Historic security treaty must translate into real safety for our frontline communities”
Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) Mayor Cr Phillemon Mosby says the Australian Government must match national security commitments with visible protection, consistent communication and strong enforcement for Torres Strait communities facing repeated foreign fishing vessel incursions across Australia’s northern border.
Recent community reports of foreign fishing boats – including suspected Indonesian vessels – have heightened fear for families, hunters and fishers, and raised concerns about illegal activity occurring close to shore.
“The Torres Strait is sovereign Australian territory. Our people deserve to feel safe, heard, and protected.”
“These are not just waters on a map – this is our sea Country, our livelihood, our culture, and our responsibility to protect for future generations.”
“When suspected foreign vessels enter our waters, it creates real fear – fear for the safety of our hunters and fishers, fear for families, and fear of what else could be happening in our region.”
Treaty signed in Jakarta – but Torres Strait communities need action at home
Mayor Mosby said the Australian Government’s public messaging on regional security must include frontline First Nations communities who live with a porous maritime border and the reality of recurring incursions from foreign fishing vessels transiting from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
On Saturday 7 February 2026 in Jakarta, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed the Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, described as an agreement that takes defence cooperation to a new level.
Mayor Mosby said the treaty highlights a stark contrast: while national leaders speak about common security and being there for each other in challenging times, Torres Strait communities are still waiting for clear, direct answers and sustained protection when foreign vessels enter Australian waters.
“The awful irony is that the Australian Government can sign a historic security treaty with Indonesia, yet remain silent when our communities are asking the most basic question: are we safe in our own waters?”
What communities are reporting
Residents across Zenadth Kes have reported sightings of foreign fishing vessels, including multiple boats anchored near islands and movement through known fishing grounds. Mayor Mosby said the reports underline the need for prevention, coordination and accountability – not silence.
What TSIRC is calling for
TSIRC is calling for practical actions from the Australian Government and relevant agencies, including:
• A Ministerial visit to meet TSIRC and regional leadership in the Torres Strait
• A review of current capability and arrangements, including stronger patrol measures
• Adequate resourcing and staffing of the Saibai facility
• Consistent patrol boat presence across known incursion hotspots
• Reliable connectivity and a confidential reporting system so communities can report incursions and receive updates
Mayor Mosby said TSIRC also expects clear answers on why breaches are occurring at this magnitude and frequency, what preventative measures are in place, and how information will be communicated to TSIRC and communities in a timely and consistent way.
“Our frontline communities spanning from Boigu, Dauan, Saibai, Mabuiag, Badu and Ugar need answers – and they need a demonstration that the Australian Government cares. Do not remain silent while we live with real threats and insecurity.”
Enforce, deter, sanction – protect our rights
Mayor Mosby said the issue is not just communication – it is enforcement, deterrence and appropriate sanctions to secure the social, cultural and economic rights of Torres Strait Islander communities who depend on healthy seas for food, culture and livelihoods.
