Expert Working Group [alternative: Collaboration] to guide new stand-alone legislation

A collaboration, comprising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expert Working Group on ICIP (Expert Working Group) and government representatives, support the development of new legislation to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

The commitment to develop the new legislation was announced on 30 January 2023 as part of the Australian Government's 5-year National Cultural Policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.

The first principle guiding all actions in Revive, including the development of the stand-alone legislation, is that First Nations arts and culture must be First Nations-led. This approach aligns with the strong partnership principles to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, Priority Reform One (formal partnerships and shared decision-making). The Office for the Arts is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lead the development of the stand-alone legislation.

The Australian Government has provided $13.4 million over 4 years to support the development of the new legislation, including for grants and training.