First Nations expert working group has been established to help inform standalone legislation to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions.

Weaving with bright colours.
©Moa Arts, No. 2 Reef II. ICIP: This artwork includes artistic works which incorporate Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and traditional knowledge of the Mualgal people of Mua Lag. Used with permission.

The working group will provide advice on the development of the legislation, which is aiming to protect Indigenous cultural and intellectual property and address the harm caused by fake First Nation art on merchandise and souvenirs.

This will deliver on key actions in Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy and ensure legislation is underpinned by First Nations expertise and lived experience.

Members will collaborate with representatives from relevant Government departments to establish an Indigenous Knowledge Partnership.

The primary outcome of the legislation is to legally recognise the cultural rights First Nations peoples have in relation to their traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, and to provide legally-enforceable remedies for the infringement of these rights.
The working group is made up of 8 members, including a Chair:

  • Dr Terri Janke (Chair)
  • James Morgan
  • Dr Alana Gall
  • Aurora Milroy
  • Craig Aspinall
  • Professor Deen Justin Sanders OAM
  • Bibi Barba
  • Chrissy Grant

For more information about protecting Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights, visit www.arts.gov.au/ICIP.

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