Evaluating the Impact of Public Investment in Indigenous Development: A Case Study of the Torres Strait Regional Authority

Abstract

In response to pressure for evidence demonstrating operational effectiveness, small Indigenous and similarly-oriented community organisations often struggle to understand, plan and measure the social, economic and environmental impacts of their activities on individuals and communities. Using the case of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, this thesis addresses practical and methodological strengths, limitations and refinements necessary to successfully evaluate and develop a rigorous performance monitoring framework for small Indigenous and geographically place-based community social development agencies.