Understanding Crime and Justice in Torres Strait Islander Communities

The project undertook the first study of crime and justice in the Torres Strait Region (TSR). While there has been much research into ‘ATSI’ crime and justice, previous research draws exclusively on Aboriginal people who are culturally distinct from first nations peoples of the Torres Strait Region. The TSR offers a unique opportunity to observe how justice is practiced in diverse remote contexts. Through fieldwork, involving local service providers and community members, this study documented crime rates, community and customary justice practices and impediments to the justice, to identify best practice unique to the TSR.

Chief Investigator

Partner Investigators

  • Dr Zoe Staines, University of Queensland
  • James Morton, Queensland Magistrate

Briefing Paper


Funding / Grants

  • Australian Institute of Criminology (2017 - 2020)

Green hill fort on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait