The IK Panel will play a crucial role in identifying and informing ways we can improve processes, policy and legislative matters related to Indigenous Knowledge in the context of the intellectual property (IP) system. This will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to better protect and promote their knowledge.
We are excited to introduce the members.
These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and their contributions will be invaluable in shaping the future of the IP system.
The establishment of the IK Panel is a significant milestone for our agency. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
We look forward to the positive impact the IK Panel will have and invite all stakeholders to join us in this important journey.
For any enquiries, please email IKPanel@ipaustralia.gov.au.
Chrissy Grant
Chrissy Grant (Chair) is an Elder from the Jalunji-Warra clan of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji and the Mualgal from Kubin on Moa Island.
Chrissy has extensive experience working with Traditional Owners and communities in Australia on heritage, land, natural resource management, and Indigenous knowledge.
She has worked at the national and international levels for more than 38 years, focusing on cultural and natural resource management, particularly with Traditional Owner groups on identifying cultural values, heritage management, conservation, and protection.
Her experience also extends to working with Indigenous Peoples globally, including on the Convention of Biological Diversity and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
She currently holds positions of Chair and Co-chair across various boards and committees at regional, national, and international levels.
Colin Saltmere
Colin Saltmere is a senior Indjalandji-Dhidhanu Traditional Owner of the Camooweal region in North-West Queensland.
He is the Managing Director of the Myuma Group of companies and leads the development of the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu peoples' biotechnology, research, and development company Bulugudu Ltd. Colin commissioned a pilot spinifex biotechnology manufacturing lab at Camooweal to advance commercial applications of spinifex fibre.
His expertise in Indigenous training, economic development, and land management is widely acknowledged. Colin has served on a wide variety of industry, regional, state, and commonwealth leadership groups and committees, including over 7 years as Chairperson of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Reference Group on Northern Australia.
In 2021, Colin was made a Member in the General Division (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for significant service to the Indigenous communities of North-West Queensland.
Shay Vigona-Goudge
Shay Vigona-Goudge is an Aboriginal woman from the Northern Territory, she is of Tiwi Island and Warumunga heritage. With over 20 years of diverse experience across various government sectors - including Justice, Health, and Arts & Culture - Shay has dedicated her career to fostering and embedding respect and understanding towards Indigenous advancement.
She has a comprehensive knowledge of the arts and cultural sector, which includes working with the Territory’s multicultural communities, Arts NT and most recently her role as the CEO of Artback NT. She also brings a network of national and local connections.
Currently, Shay serves as the Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor with Telstra's InfraCo, focusing on the nation-building Intercity Fibre Network (ICF). This project is pivotal in addressing the growing demand for digital infrastructure across the telco industry, State and Federal Governments, the corporate sector, regional areas, and remote communities.
In her role, Shay emphasises the importance of respecting cultural heritage, ensuring that stakeholder engagement around land access is handled with care and sensitivity. By fostering meaningful connections with key stakeholders, she aims to mitigate risks and promote the effective management of projects that honour and integrate the rich cultural narratives of Indigenous communities. Shay's commitment to cultural respect and understanding is not just a professional obligation; it is a personal mission to create a future where technology and heritage coexist harmoniously.