Strengthening Cultural Protection: Copyright Agency Leads ICIP Workshop at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
June 26, 2025
In a significant step toward supporting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights, Copyright Agency was recently invited to lead a workshop at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (UKTNP). The invitation came from Parks Australia and the Traditional Owners of the Park from the Anangu community, who jointly manage this iconic cultural and natural heritage site.
Senior Lawyer Virginia Morrison and Indigenous Engagement Manager Makeeta Ratulevu represented the Copyright Agency, facilitating a session with the Park’s Media Working Group. The workshop formed part of an ongoing collaboration focused on deepening understanding of ICIP among community stakeholders.
Foundations of a Long-Term Partnership
The initial engagement began in November 2023, when Copyright Agency conducted its first ICIP workshop with the UKTNP’s Media Work Group. The success of that session laid the groundwork for a return visit in March 2025, highlighting the growing interest and importance of the topic.
Participants in the March workshop included the managers of two important cultural institutions within the Park — the art centres Maruku Arts and Walkatjara Art — along with several of the artists affiliated with them who are also senior Anangu and work with the Park. The involvement of these key cultural representatives underscored the workshop’s practical importance in protecting and managing Indigenous creativity and expression.
Bridging ICIP and Copyright
The March 2025 workshop provided participants with a foundational understanding of ICIP — what it is, how it relates to Indigenous communities in Australia, and how it interacts with copyright law. Virginia and Makeeta clarified the important distinctions between ICIP and copyright, as well as the areas where they intersect.
An essential part of the discussion focused on the Australian Government’s proposal to introduce dedicated legislation for the protection of ICIP. While this legal framework is still in development, participants explored practical strategies for managing ICIP issues in the meantime. These discussions helped empower the community to better advocate for and protect their cultural knowledge and artistic practices.
Looking Ahead
Copyright Agency’s engagement at UKTNP reflects its commitment to empowering Indigenous communities through education and advocacy. By fostering dialogue on ICIP in culturally significant settings like Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, Copyright Agency supports communities in navigating the complexities of protecting their cultural expressions — both now and into the future.
As conversations continue around the development of national ICIP protections, these collaborative workshops may serve as a model for culturally-informed, community-led education efforts. The momentum from the recent workshops suggests a promising path forward, anchored in mutual respect, knowledge-sharing, and long-term partnership.