The primary function of the authority is to strengthen the economic, social and cultural development of the peoples of the Torres Strait area.

[4] Together with the Island Co-ordinating Council, the Torres Strait Regional Authority has been active in implementing community based management strategies.

The adoption of a Marine Strategy for the monitoring and management of dugong and turtle populations in the seas around the islands was undertaken in 1999.

[7] In 2010, after a nine-year legal battle, the Torres Strait Regional Authority made a successful native title claim to 40,000 km² of sea between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea.

[12] The day-to-day functions of the Torres Strait Regional Authority are carried out by an Administration Department led by a chief executive officer, currently Vonda Malone.