Indigenous Knowledge Panel Pilot

Overview

IP Australia supports the cultural integrity and economic potential of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are fully considered within the intellectual property (IP) system. To do this, we need to ensure our policy positions and procedures are directly informed by the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To assist in achieving our commitments and to provide a mechanism for informed decision making, IP Australia is establishing a pilot Indigenous Knowledge Panel (IK Panel).

We are looking for 3 suitably experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join the IK Panel, which will undertake the following functions:

• assisting to develop, deliver and implement processes and policies related to Indigenous Knowledge
• providing advice and making recommendations for consideration on policy and legislative matters relating to Indigenous Knowledge in the context of IP
• participating in assessments and providing advice on applications relating to Intellectual Property Rights applications that contain, or appear to contain, Indigenous Knowledge
• assisting to promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous Knowledge as it relates to Intellectual Property Rights

Members of the IK Panel should have a mix of skills, with individuals having expertise in at least one of these areas:

• intellectual property rights and legislation
• lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and associated traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions
• understanding of and involvement in issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, with strong connections and linkages to community
• experience in engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, including communities, businesses and Elders, on matters that impact them, or
• Business/legal expertise.

IP Australia recognises that we need to do things differently. The IK Panel will operate as a pilot for three years and we will be looking to the Panel Members to help shape the role of the Panel, and to suggest innovative approaches to help us ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are fully considered within the IP system.

Membership of the panel is a paid part-time role with a commitment of up to 30 days per year and may include travel requirements.

Information session.

On 17 July, IP Australia hosted an online information session. This session was recorded and is available to view below.

How to apply

The IK Panel is being established through an open procurement process. This means you will need to apply through AusTender. To view the documentation including the Approach to Market (the requirements) and the Response (your application) you will need to register via AusTender.

While a procurement process may seem challenging, we have simplified the response documentation required to try and make the process as easy as possible.

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