First Nations Strategy 2025–2030

Indigenous Knowledge Panel endorsement

As members of the Indigenous Knowledge Panel, we wholeheartedly endorse the First Nations Strategy. This initiative represents a significant step forward in recognising and protecting Indigenous Knowledge within the IP system.

We believe this Strategy will foster greater respect, inclusivity, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, enabling them to benefit from their heritage and ideas. We commend IP Australia for its commitment to this essential initiative and look forward to the positive changes this Strategy will bring.

From the Director General

As Director General I am committed to reconciliation and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to protect and benefit from their Indigenous Knowledge through the IP system.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been the original innovators of these lands for over 65,000 years.

Our First Nations Strategy sets out our commitments across capability, development, partnership and transformation. It provides a framework for IP Australia to enhance our engagement and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, support their participation and empowerment in the IP system, and transform our organisational culture and practices to be more respectful, responsive and accountable.

It builds on the achievements and learnings from our Reconciliation Action Plan 2021–2023 and is integral in ensuring we meet our commitments under The National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

I am proud to present this First Nations Strategy as a statement of our commitment and aspiration to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a genuine and respectful way. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this Strategy will have on our organisation and the IP system, and ultimately, on the lives and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Michael Schwager

Director General