- Director General’s introduction
- Strategy overview
- Key activities
Strategic pillars overview
The First Nations Strategy is a new approach to reconciliation and working ethically and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This is our long-term commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the intellectual property (IP) system. The focus is on creating meaningful change through collaboration, cultural capability, and systemic transformation.
Key Activities
Our First Nations Strategy is underpinned by 4 pillars:
We’re committed to uplifting the cultural capability of our people and services to ensure respectful and effective engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Key focus
- Strengthening cultural competence to improve service delivery.
- Creating a workplace that is inclusive, culturally safe, and free from racism.
- Ensuring our policies and practices reflect and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledge.
Intended outcomes
- Increased cultural awareness and competence amongst staff.
- A more inclusive and culturally safe workplace.
- Improved engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We’re prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business development by increasing awareness and access to the IP rights system.
Key focus
- Educating Indigenous businesses on how to use IP rights for commercial success.
- Providing tailored resources and programs to support Indigenous entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in innovation and economic participation.
Intended outcomes
- More Indigenous businesses using the IP system to protect and commercialise their innovations.
- Increased support for Indigenous business development through education and awareness programs.
We’re dedicated to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to inform and share decision-making on IP related policies and practices.
Key focus
- Establishing formal partnerships to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices shape our policies and initiatives.
- Moving beyond consultation to true collaboration, ensuring shared decision-making.
- Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander representation in key IP discussions.
Intended outcomes
- Stronger representation of Indigenous perspectives in policy development.
- Greater participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the IP system, leading to increased self-determination.
Our focus is on transforming our policies and practices to ensure they are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples.
Key focus
- Embedding cultural accountability into our organisation.
- Reforming policies and legislation to be more inclusive and effective.
- Strengthening recruitment, retention, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander staff.
Intended outcomes
- Systemic transformation of our policies and practices.
- Increased representation and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
- A more accessible and culturally appropriate IP system.
