TORRES NEWS -

Liberal Senator for Queensland Russell Trood says he will explore the idea of a broad ranging senate inquiry into Commonwealth Government operations in the Torres Strait, following his recent visit to the region.

The Senator said he will discuss the idea of a senate inquiry with his colleagues in Canberra, with such an inquiry, should it eventuate, to explore how the activities of the Commonwealth Government in the Torres Strait could be delivered more effectively and efficiently.

Senator Trood was also due to visit Saibai but was unable to do so due to the redeployment of the helicopter he was to travel on.

Senator Russell Trood

After consulting with various stakeholders during his visit to Thursday Island, the Senator said there was a need to examine how the many arms of the Commonwealth Government operate in the Torres Strait across all areas, including: border protection, defence, government services and health.

Senator Trood – who was an Associate Professor of International Relations at Griffith University in Brisbane prior to his election to the Senate in 2004 – takes a leading role for the opposition on issues relating to foreign affairs and is Deputy Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.