Mr C’Zarke Maza LL.M is the inaugural Commissioner (Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa), a role he assumed in July 2021. As a descendant of the Meriam and Yidinjdji peoples, C’Zarke is deeply committed to advancing the rights and well-being of First Nations people.
His primary focus is to achieve historical, legal recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child-rearing practices. This groundbreaking initiative aims to heal the community and establish culturally appropriate laws for First Nations individuals.
The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister. The Minister may recommend an appointment to the Commissioner role only if the person is a Torres Strait Islander and the Minister is satisfied the person is appropriately qualified.
The Commissioner’s role is to independently consider applications for cultural recognition and determine whether a Cultural Recognition Order should be made and to provide advice and make recommendations to the Minister about the operation of the Act and the Office.
The Commissioner is an appropriately qualified Torres Strait Islander person with statutory powers to do all the things necessary or convenient to perform their functions, including independently considering applications for legal recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practices and make Cultural Recognition Orders.
A Cultural Recognition Order permanently transfers parentage from the Birth Parents to the Cultural Parents and allows for the child’s or adult’s legal identity to reflect that of their cultural identity and lived experience. The making of a Cultural Recognition Order has the same effect as a final adoption order made under the Adoption Act 2009 (QLD).
A Cultural Recognition Order is a legal document that transfers a child’s parentage from their birth parents to their cultural parents; legally recognising a child’s cultural parents in Queensland law.
Learn how we help families apply for a Cultural Recognition Order