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.
Acting Director General's message
A little over a year ago, we launched IP Australia's First Nations Strategy with a commitment to strengthen our cultural capability, build genuine partnerships, support First Nations businesses, and improve the way our policies and practices respond to the needs of First Nations peoples.
Over the past year, we have made important progress. Across the agency, staff have engaged in learning opportunities, strengthened relationships with First Nations communities and organisations, and worked to bring diverse perspectives into the way we design and deliver our work. While there is still more to do to close the gap, these efforts are continuing to build stronger foundations for meaningful and lasting change.
The first year of the strategy has reinforced that reconciliation is not a single initiative or destination. It is an ongoing commitment that requires us to listen, learn and act with purpose. It means continuing to reflect on how we work, considering whose voices are represented in decision-making, and how we can better support First Nations peoples through Australia's intellectual property system.
I am proud of the progress we have made together and grateful to the many staff, partners, communities and stakeholders who have contributed to this work. Their knowledge, generosity and guidance continue to shape our journey.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on turning our commitments into practical action and embedding the principles of the First Nations Strategy into the everyday work of IP Australia. By continuing to work respectfully and collaboratively, we can contribute to a more inclusive, responsive and accountable intellectual property system for all Australians.
Margaret Tregurtha
Acting Director General
October 2026
First Nations Strategy 2025–2030
Aligned to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the First Nations Strategy recognises that meaningful change requires ongoing action, partnership and accountability.
It reflects our commitment to doing things differently and moving beyond a business-as-usual mindset to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We recognise that Australia's IP system does not always meet the needs of First Nations peoples, particularly where Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property is involved.
The First Nations Strategy outlines how we will work with First Nations peoples and communities over the next 5 years to improve access, strengthen partnerships, and help ensure our services, policies and practices are more inclusive and responsive.
Pillars
The strategy is built around 4 pillars that guide how we work with First Nations peoples and communities and help deliver meaningful change across IP Australia.
Together, the pillars provide a framework to ensure our policies, services and decision-making processes better reflect the needs and perspectives of First Nations peoples.
This pillar supports development of a culturally informed agency that can engage respectfully, deliver better services, and create a workplace where First Nations cultures and knowledge are valued.
- Build cultural competence across the organisation to support more effective service delivery.
- Foster an inclusive and culturally safe workplace that is free from discrimination.
- Ensure organisational policies and practices are culturally appropriate and respectful of First Nations cultures and knowledge.
This pillar focuses on improving access, understanding, and opportunities so First Nations peoples and businesses can participate more effectively in the IP system.
- Support First Nations businesses to understand how IP rights can contribute to commercial success.
- Provide tailored resources and programs that respond to the needs of First Nations entrepreneurs.
- Strengthen pathways for First Nations peoples in innovation and economic empowerment.
This pillar focuses on building strong relationships so First Nations perspectives help shape our policies, initiatives, and engagement.
- Identify and establish partnership mechanisms that enable First Nations voices to inform our work.
- Support First Nations representation in key IP discussions.
- Strengthen collaboration with First Nations peoples, communities, and organisations.
This pillar focuses on embedding accountability across our systems, processes, workforce practices, and legislative frameworks so they are more inclusive, responsive and effective.
- Embed cultural accountability across the organisation.
- Support policy and legislative reform to be more inclusive and effective.
- Strengthen recruitment, retention, and support for First Nations staff.
How we're putting the strategy into action
Through the strategy, we are taking practical action to improve access to the IP system, strengthen partnerships and build capability across IP Australia. We remain committed to listening, learning and improving our services.
Our work includes:
Indigenous Knowledge Panel
Working with our Indigenous Knowledge Panel to ensure First Nations perspectives are considered in the work we do.
Supporting First Nations businesses
Delivering education, resources and outreach activities that help First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs understand and use intellectual property rights to protect and grow their ideas, products and brands.
Building partnerships
Working directly with First Nations communities, organisations and stakeholders to better understand their needs and ensure their perspectives help shape our policies, programs and engagement activities.
Strengthening cultural capability
Investing in learning and development opportunities that build cultural capability across IP Australia and support respectful engagement. Examples include staff participation in programs such as Jawun secondments, Garma Festival and cultural awareness training to deepen understanding of First Nations cultures, knowledge and perspectives.
Artwork
The strategy features artwork and artefacts created by Mick Harding of the Yowong-Illam-Baluk and Nattarak Baluk clans of the Taungurung people.
He has created a malgarr (parrying shield) which is a powerful symbol of protection both in the practical sense, and in the preservation of cultural identity and heritage. This protection symbology can also be applied to the intellectual property system's role in safeguarding ideas and creations.
A range of other traditional artefacts have been crafted to complement the malgarr. These artefacts highlight the rich history of innovation in Australia that was present well before colonisation.