Amend the Patents Act to include a statement of objectives

The Productivity Commission in its 2016 report into Australia's IP arrangements, and the Advisory Council on Intellectual Property in its 2010 review of the patentable subject matter, both considered that a statement of objectives should be included in the Patents Act 1990 to outline its purpose and provide general guidance on the application of the legislation. The government accepted this recommendation in both reports.

An objects clause provides additional clarity and guidance to the community on the purpose of legislation, assists the courts in interpreting the legislation, and can be used to resolve uncertainty and ambiguity.