Treaties Committee examines Indigenous perspectives on WIPO (GRATK) Treaty

The WIPO Treaty on IP and Genetic Resources (GRATK) aims to introduce a requirement to disclose sources for patent applications based on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

At this hearing, the committee examined Indigenous perspectives on the proposed disclosure framework and the potential impacts of ratification and implementation on communities.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, "This treaty is the first multilateral intellectual property agreement to recognise Traditional Knowledge. Its provisions are intended to provide visibility into sources of Traditional Knowledge within patent systems.

"Ratification would give Australia an opportunity to lead ongoing global discussions about the relationship between intellectual property and Traditional Knowledge."

The committee heard evidence from the Indigenous Knowledge Panel and National Native Title Council at the public hearing.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 6 July 2026
Time: 3:45pm – 4:30pm AEST (approximately)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.