International maritime boundaries and indigenous people. The case of the Torres Strait

The peripheral role indigenous maritime communities have played in the establishment of colonial and State boundaries is illustrated with the case of the indigenous people of the Torres Strait. An historical analysis examines events which shaped the political borders in the region. Particular attention is given to the bilateral Treaty establishing the international boundary between Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Treaty acknowledges the rights of the indigenous people, but their lack of opportunities to participate meaningfully in the formulation and administration of the border regime has placed local communities in conflict with Treaty administrators.