TSIRC demands urgent answers and action on escalating illegal foreign fishing and border breaches
Thursday Island / Torres Strait — Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) condemns the escalating reports of suspected illegal foreign fishing incursions in Torres Strait waters and is calling for immediate, coordinated action to protect Island communities, sea Country, local livelihoods and Australia’s northern border.
TSIRC Mayor Cr Phillemon Mosby said there was a deep irony in celebrating Australia Day over the recent long weekend while the lived reality of Torres Strait communities — a marginalised region at the frontline of Australia’s northern border — continues to be overlooked.
“It’s hard to ignore the irony of national celebration while our people are left exposed and too often forgotten. The Torres Strait should not be an afterthought for governments — we deserve the same consideration, protection and respect as anywhere else in Australia,” Mayor Mosby said.
Mayor Mosby stated that more communities are noticing vessels entering Australian waters, sometimes near the shore, which has left families feeling afraid and upset due to what they perceive as inconsistent deterrence efforts and poor communication.
“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,” Mayor Mosby said. “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.”
Mayor Mosby said TSIRC has worked for years under the Council’s “Blue Security and Safe Region” framework, but the recent scale and frequency of reported incidents raise serious questions about prevention, coordination and accountability.
TSIRC needs answers
On behalf of Council, Mayor Mosby said TSIRC is seeking clear, timely answers from the responsible agencies, including:
- Why are border breaches occurring at this magnitude and frequency?
- What has happened to effective Torres Strait joint border control and operational coordination?
- What is being done now to prevent and deter future incursions?
- How will the responsible law enforcement agency report incidents to TSIRC and communities in a timely and consistent way?
- Why are unauthorised arrivals and vessels left on already vulnerable islands with minimal local security and protection measures?
- How will agencies work with Council and regional leadership so our people, islands, resources and region feel safe and protected?
“Our communities should not be left to feel like they are the first line of defense,” Mayor Mosby said. “We need stronger protection measures that prevent illegal activity from entering Torres Strait waters in the first place — not explanations after the fact.”
What TSIRC is demanding
TSIRC is calling for urgent, visible and sustained action, including:
- The relevant Minister to travel to the Torres Strait to meet with TSIRC and regional leadership.
- A review of current law enforcement capability and arrangements, including stronger security and patrol measures.
- The Saibai facility to be adequately resourced and staffed to meet operational demands.
- Local officers to be properly resourced and appropriately qualified to support lawful detention and arrest processes where required.
- Patrol boats to be consistently active across Torres Strait waters, including known incursion hotspots.
- Reliable connectivity across the Torres Strait, to support safety, coordination and reporting.
- A reliable confidential reporting system (software/app-based) for communities and leadership to report incursions and receive updates.
“The Torres Strait is sovereign Australian territory. Our people deserve to feel safe, heard, and protected,” Mayor Mosby said. “We’re calling for a strong, visible and sustained response that matches the seriousness of what’s happening.”
Council action and next steps
Mayor Mosby said these concerns were raised during the recent Governor-General visit to Masig Island, reflecting the seriousness of community sentiment across the region.
TSIRC has invited Australian Border Force (ABF), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) to attend the Council’s Ordinary Meeting tomorrow (28 January 2026) to address these issues directly, including prevention measures, operational response arrangements, and improvements to communication and reporting.
