CSIRO Indigenous Collaboration 
and Partnerships 2023–24



Acknowledgment of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of 
the lands, seas and waters, of the area that we live 
and work on across Australia. We acknowledge 
their continuing connection to their culture and pay 
our respects to Elders past and present. CSIRO is 
honoured to partner and collaborate with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander communities across the 
nation, and we acknowledge the contributions of all 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, staff 
and partners towards our vision for reconciliation.

Cover top: We have partnered with Tiwi Resources and 
the Portaminni Trust to co‑design a prawn farm pilot to 
create a more sustainable future for the Tiwi Islands.

Cover bottom: Low power magnification of a prawn’s 
colourful swimming legs, known as pleopods.



Contents
About us..........................................................................................................................................................1

Foreword........................................................................................................................................................2Leader’s message.....................................................................................................................................3CSIRO’s ambitions....................................................................................................................................4Executive summary..................................................................................................................................61 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................91.1 Background...............................................................................................................................................................91.2 Report objectives...................................................................................................................................................101.3 Methodology..........................................................................................................................................................101.4 Report structure.....................................................................................................................................................111.5 Key audience...........................................................................................................................................................112 Supporting government priorities for advancing Indigenous science.....................122.1 Alignment with key government priorities..........................................................................................................122.2 Supporting the National Agreement on Closing the Gap efforts......................................................................122.3 Connections and pathway.....................................................................................................................................143 Measuring our contribution to the National Agreement on 
Closing the Gap Priority Reforms..............................................................................................183.1 Connection and engagement ..............................................................................................................................193.2 Science and technology translation.....................................................................................................................203.3 Capacity building and improving standards........................................................................................................223.4 Reputation in the research and development (R&D) sector...............................................................................303.5 Impact delivered.....................................................................................................................................................334 Sharing our lessons learned.........................................................................................................374.1 Our journey towards reconciliation......................................................................................................................374.2 Creating a workplace where staff are respected and celebrated.......................................................................374.3 Strengthening our understanding of Indigenous knowledge and science.......................................................404.4 Nurturing opportunities for Indigenous-led science..........................................................................................405 Concluding remarks..........................................................................................................................41

About us

We are Australia’s national science 
agency, solving the greatest challenges 
through innovative science and technology.

We are one of the largest and most multidisciplinary research 
organisations in the world, creating a better future for Australia.

Our purpose

Our purpose is to solve the greatest challenges through 
innovative science and technology. 

We are established by and operate under the provisions of 
the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 (SIR Act), which sets 
out our functions and powers. The governance, performance 
and accountability of our operations, including the use and 
management of public resources, are set out in the Public 
Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) 
and Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule). 

We are a corporate Commonwealth entity within the Industry, 
Science and Resources portfolio. We have a Board and Chief 
Executive and deliver value aligned to our Portfolio Budget 
Statement and our Minister’s Statement of Expectations. 

Our outcome

Our outcome, consistent with our legislation and stated in 
our Portfolio Budget Statement, is to produce innovative 
scientific and technology solutions to national challenges and 
opportunities to benefit industry, the environment and the 
community, through scientific research and capability 
development, services and advice.

We provide the essential scientific research and advice needed 
by a broad range of stakeholders, including conducting research 
pursuant to national priorities. We collaborate with innovators 
to convert discoveries and ideas into technologies, services and 
best practices that benefit the nation. Our impact extends beyond 
Australia; we are a regional leader in informing international 
policy and development for climate, biodiversity, sustainability 
and food security. 

We deliver around $13.3 billion of benefit to the nation each year 
as a result of our science, securing our future national prosperity 
as well as environmental and social benefits.

Source: RTI CSIRO Return on Investment Report 2024.

Our vision

CSIRO. Creating a better future 
for Australia.



Foreword

It is with great enthusiasm that I present the inaugural 
CSIRO Indigenous Collaboration and Partnerships Report. 
This report marks a significant step forward in CSIRO’s 
journey to building stronger partnerships with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander communities – partnerships that 
can define a better future for all Australians.

I am encouraged by the progress outlined in this 
report and the organisation’s commitment to elevating 
Indigenous voices, knowledge and science. By prioritising 
Indigenous‑led research, fostering strong relationships with 
Indigenous communities, and addressing critical challenges 
facing contemporary society, CSIRO aims to deliver tangible 
benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

However, this is just the beginning. The report highlights 
the progress CSIRO has made, while also acknowledging 
the areas it needs to improve. We are committed to 
learning from our experiences, adapting our approaches, 
and ensuring that Indigenous voices are central to our 
decision‑making processes. 

As an organisation, CSIRO not only has an obligation to 
pursue science that makes a difference to the lives of 
Australians and the world we inhabit, but an opportunity 
to work with, learn from, and give voice to Indigenous 
knowledge systems and generations of scientific 
observation, enquiry and thought. 

Our collective ambition must focus on unlocking the full 
potential of Indigenous Knowledge to create a better future 
for all Australians. 

I commend the team for their hard work and look forward 
to witnessing the continued growth of CSIRO’s collective 
ambition towards achieving that vision. 

Professor Alex Brown
CSIRO Board Member

A proud member of the Yuin nation, Professor Brown is the first 
Indigenous scientist appointed to the CSIRO Board, bringing a 
wealth of experience in understanding and overcoming health 
inequalities and bridging connections across science ecosystems. 
Alex is an internationally recognised clinician and researcher who 
has worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health for his 
entire career. He is the Professor of Indigenous Genomics at the 
Telethon Kids Institute and the Australian National University.

Endorsement

On behalf of the National Indigenous Australians Agency 
(NIAA), I am delighted to endorse the CSIRO Indigenous 
Collaboration and Partnerships 2023–24 report. This report 
engages critically with the Priority Reforms and principles 
set out in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, 
spotlighting case studies that demonstrate the mutually 
beneficial rewards of inclusive as well as innovative 
approaches. To achieve true outcomes for First Nations 
people and communities, government agencies have 
a responsibility to deconstruct historically prohibitive 
frameworks and champion transformation. This report 
signifies an achievement towards reconciliation, 
exemplifying a commitment to systematic change that 
puts in place foundations to better inform future direction. 

Jody Broun
CEO, National Indigenous 
Australians Agency

Jody Broun is an Yinjibarndi woman from the Pilbara in Western 
Australia, who has maintained strong connections to Country, 
community and culture throughout her life. Jody is passionate 
about social justice, community-led co-design, and making a 
difference through changing the way government does business 
with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.



Leader’s message

As the Director of Indigenous Science and Engagement 
at CSIRO, I am honoured to introduce this report on 
Indigenous collaboration and partnerships. This document 
highlights the significant value that Indigenous science and 
knowledge systems bring to our organisation and to our 
nation, and the importance of meaningful partnerships in 
driving reconciliation.

For over 65,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
peoples have been Australia’s First Scientists, observing, 
experimenting, and innovating to thrive, prosper and care 
for Country. These traditional knowledges and practices 
offer unique insights that enable new ways to approach 
innovative solutions and technologies for the benefit 
of all Australians. By embracing Indigenous science, we 
acknowledge the historical and ongoing contributions of 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and tap into a 
rich source of creativity and problem-solving.

Our commitment to reconciliation is unwavering, and 
we recognise that genuine partnerships are essential 
to achieving this goal. Through strategic collaborations 
with Indigenous-owned businesses and organisations, 
we are creating opportunities for economic development 
and enabling career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people. These partnerships ensure that 
our research is informed by and responsive to the needs 
of Indigenous communities as well as building capability 
within our organisation.

While we are proud of the progress we have made, we 
acknowledge that there is still work to be done. This report 
highlights our achievements and challenges, demonstrating 
our resolve to continue improving. Our efforts align with 
government priorities, including the National Science 
and Research Priorities and the outcomes of the National 
Agreement on Closing the Gap, as well as our own 
Reconciliation Action Plan and complementary strategies.

This report showcases the power of collaboration and 
the shared value that emerges when Indigenous ways 
of knowing, being and doing ignite the capability of 
Australia’s national science agency. I extend my gratitude 
to the Indigenous partners, colleagues, and the broader 
community for their trust, guidance, and collaboration.

Together, we are forging a brighter future for Australia 
and contributing to a more innovative research sector.

Dr Chris Bourke
Director, CSIRO Indigenous 
Science and Engagement

Dr Chris Bourke leads Indigenous Science and Engagement at 
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. Chris is a Gamillaroi 
man and Australia’s first Indigenous dentist. In an extensive 
career he has held clinical positions in the private and public 
sector including his own private dental practice, Aboriginal 
Medical Services, public hospitals and state/territory health 
departments. From 2011 to 2016, Chris was a Member of the 
ACT Legislative Assembly, with various ministerial portfolios.



CSIRO’s ambitions

Our ambition is to further embrace Indigenous science 
and knowledge, enhancing our capability, and responding 
to the priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
partners. We discuss where we are and where we want 
to be to achieve deeper levels of learning and a stronger 
sense of purpose in supporting Indigenous-led research. 
This learning journey is an opportunity for us to grow as an 
organisation and enable all our people to create value for 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners and Australian 
society more broadly.

Designing system change to support 
Indigenous-led research

Indigenous-led research empowers Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander governance, decision-making and knowledge 
systems in setting the research agenda, approach, 
assessment, evaluation and solutions at each stage of 
the research lifecycle. For research to be Indigenous-led, 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must hold 
legitimate decision-making responsibilities, ownership 
and authority with oversight, visible presence and power 
throughout the process, resources, ideas and benefits.1


 

This research is underpinned by Indigenous governance, 
determining how science is developed, and how knowledge 
is shared, used and translated. It is informed by Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander priorities, perspectives, values 
and voices,2


 ensuring inherent rights governing land, sea 
and water are recognised.3


 CSIRO also prioritises having 
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people lead 
the research or establishing governance structures that 
ensure Indigenous oversight and decision-making.

Embracing Indigenous governance in determining how 
science is developed and knowledge is shared, used 
and translated requires the recognition of Indigenous 
peoples and their ways of understanding the world around 
them, and committing to a process that enables effective 
system change. As Australia’s national science agency, 
we will strive to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people to address their research priorities. 
We will also work with interested parties to facilitate the 
harmonisation of Indigenous scientific knowledge and 
practices within the innovation ecosystem. Focusing on 
Indigenous-led, inclusive and collaborative system change, 
we aim to partner to develop coordinated responses to the 
broader external context.

Our ambition is to create Indigenous-led science 
partnerships that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander peoples, benefit knowledge holders and deliver 
solutions for all Australians. This requires shifting from a 
‘science push’ approach to one that focuses on supporting 
the learning and translation of Indigenous science 
and intellectual property (IP), while aligning with local 
community needs.

We speak to a bigger picture that makes sense at the local 
community-level and gains broad support for improving 
governance of Indigenous knowledges and practices. We 
recognise that starting this dialogue involves demonstrating 
our commitment to driving behaviour change. 

Co-design

We are working towards Indigenous-led research to 
advance Indigenous rights and achieve reconciliation. 
In some cases, co-design can be used as a governance 
arrangement where all partners have equal collaboration 
and decision-making responsibilities throughout 
the project.4




1 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (2020) ‘AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research’, Australian 
Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. aiatsis-code-ethics-jan22.pdf. (Accessed 23 September 2023).
2 Robinson, C. J., Macdonald, J. M., Douglas, M., Perry, J., Setterfield, S., Cooper, D., Lee, M., Nadji, J., Nadji, S., Nayinggul, A., Nayinggul, A., Mangiru, K., Hunter, 
F., Coleman, B., Barrowei, R., Markham, J., Alderson, J., Moyle, F., May, K., & Bangalang, N. (2022). Using knowledge to care for country: Indigenous-led 
evaluations of research to adaptively co-manage Kakadu National Park, Australia. Sustainability Science, 17(2), 377–390. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-021-
01015-9>; NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) 2018, National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
3 United Nations 2008, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), United Nations: Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 
(Accessed 23 September 2023). https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html
4 Woodward E, Hill R, Harkness P and Archer R (eds) (2020) ‘Our Knowledge Our Way in caring for Country: Indigenous led approaches to strengthening 
and sharing our knowledge for land and sea management. Best practice guidelines from Australian experiences’, NAILSMA and CSIRO, Cairns, Australia. 
Online: <csiro.au/en/research/indigenous-science/ indigenous-knowledge/our-knowledge-our-way>.




A co-design process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people needs to consider place-based approaches 
to empower and drive local solutions. Co-design methods 
incorporate Indigenous voices and provide opportunities 
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to 
determine best practices for working with Indigenous 
knowledge. Co-design is not a process of consultation or 
knowledge extraction but rather involves two-way learning 
that is ethical and defined by the community.

An example of co-design is the development of protocols 
with Jawoyn people (Traditional Owners of Jarrangbarnmi, 
also known as Koolpin Gorge) to guide the purpose and 
practice of aerial drone monitoring of valuable habitats and 
species in the southern region of Kakadu National Park.5




Strength-based approaches 
to guide research

Strength-based approaches focus on the strength, 
resilience, abilities and knowledge of individuals or 
communities rather than from a discourse based on 
deficit (e.g. limits or weakness).6


 These approaches are 
underpinned by methodologies that incorporate Indigenous 
perspectives into research frameworks, empowering 
Indigenous communities and incorporating their priorities, 
knowledges and practices.7


 The purpose of strength‑based 
approaches is to refocus research on the assets and 
strengths of individuals and communities to respond 
to the challenges they face.

Further embracing Indigenous science 
and knowledges

Indigenous knowledges, including epistemologies, are 
underpinned by holistic systems that connect multiple 
dimensions of human wellbeing and environmental 
harmony. These are derived from 65,000 years of cultural 
experience formed with science through experimentation 
and observation. This is unique on a global level.

By upholding Indigenous rights we can champion and 
embrace Indigenous science and knowledges to enable 
innovative solutions that incorporate human- and 
country‑centred design, for the benefit of all Australians. 
An example is how Indigenous knowledge brings unique 
perspectives to climate change and risk, shaped by history, 
culture and economic conditions. These insights – such 
as observations of sea level rise, changes in plant growth 
and animal behaviour, and the presence of water and 
fire patterns – highlight the difference that incorporating 
Indigenous knowledges with CSIRO’s science resources can 
make in addressing climate change, health and wellbeing 
for Australia and globally.

We recognise that Indigenous perspectives and ways 
of knowing, being and doing can enhance capability 
across our organisation. Our vision is to foster new 
forms of collaboration, to mobilise scientific, Indigenous 
and practitioner knowledge to create pathways to 
sustainable futures. 

Driving change at scale

Undertaking large-scale multidisciplinary science for the 
priorities identified by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
people relies on respectful, equivalent relationships. 
Our experience in building respectful, equivalent 
cross‑cultural expertise to address challenges includes 
using test-bed projects to assess the research viability 
and build relationships before scaling up. 

In practice, we have used Expression of Interest (EOI) 
processes and Land Use Agreements with Indigenous 
communities to evaluate research projects before scaling 
them. Maintaining a competitive position requires 
continually refreshing our science by exploring new 
application domains with partners. We realise that we 
cannot deliver impact alone and need to work with 
strategic partners that have complementary capabilities. 
Our collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
partners includes investing in growth areas aligned with 
our science strengths.

5 Macdonald, J. M., Robinson, C. J., Perry, J., Lee, M., Barrowei, R., Coleman, B., … Douglas, M. (2021). Indigenous-led responsible innovation: lessons from 
co-developed protocols to guide the use of drones to monitor a biocultural landscape in Kakadu National Park, Australia. Journal of Responsible Innovation, 
8(2), 300–319. <https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2021.1964321>.
6 Fogarty, W., Lovell, M., Langenberg, J. & Heron, M-J. 2018, Deficit Discourse and Strengths-based Approaches: Changing the Narrative of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, The Lowitja Institute, Melbourne; Bourke, C., Lahn J., Gibb. C., Lennard, N., (2020) Assessing the support of 
health leadership for increased Indigenous participation in the health workforce. Australian Health Review44, 505-511; Hammond W, Zimmerman R. 
A strengths‑based perspective. Resiliency initiatives. 2012. 
7 Thurber, K. A., Thandrayen, J., Banks, E., Doery, K., Sedgwick, M., & Lovett, R. (2020). Strengths-based approaches for quantitative data analysis: a case study 
using the Australian Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. SSM-Population Health, 12, 100637.




Executive summary

We are committed to collaborating with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop 
Indigenous‑led science solutions for addressing significant 
challenges and creating a better future for Australia.

We value Indigenous knowledge systems, rooted in a deep 
understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, 
which have sustained life in Australia for 65,000 years 
through diverse perspectives and practices. Our support for 
these knowledge systems fosters innovative solutions that 
benefit all Australians. 

We assessed our organisational processes, people strategies 
and systems to evaluate our policies and programs affecting 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to identify 
areas for improvement. Overall, this evaluation highlighted 
both strengths and opportunities for development. 

STRENGTHS

DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Leadership and Indigenous engagement: CSIRO promotes 
leadership and foster connections by providing resources for 
involvement in Indigenous research projects and collaborations 
with Indigenous enterprises. We prioritise engagement 
with Indigenous science and the maintenance of enduring, 
equivalent relationships with Indigenous communities.

Resourcing and managing recruitment: We are unlikely to meet 
our aspirational Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) target 
of 5% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff representation by 
December 2024, due to challenges in resourcing and managing 
recruitment processes.

Market and society collaboration: We work to establish and 
deepen collaborations that translate research results into market 
and societal benefits, supporting Indigenous-led research and 
enabling Indigenous enterprises and communities to explore 
innovative pathways.

Data collection and project management: There are gaps in our 
data collection processes for generating insights about research 
investment, and project management maturity varies across 
CSIRO in engagements with Indigenous partners.

Capacity building and ethical practices: We focus on capacity 
building and improving standards by working with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander staff to offer sustainable career 
pathways. We also acknowledge the need to enhance the 
capacity of all staff to work respectfully with Indigenous 
communities and knowledge systems. We embed ICIP principles 
to promote ethical practices and recognise contributions.

Research partnerships and impact evaluation: Research 
partnerships between CSIRO and Indigenous collaborators have 
not yet reached the stage of co-ownership of registerable project 
IP or collaborative commercialisation models. Post-project impact 
evaluations are needed to assess long-term outcomes.





We embrace a culture of continuous learning and capture 
lessons that benefit everyone. These include: 

• identifying opportunities to strengthen reconciliation 
and ensuring practices are accountable, culturally safe 
and responsive to Indigenous needs
• improving governance structures for Indigenous 
engagement by appointing key leaders and developing 
cultural capability workshops and principles for 
Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
• continuing to foster collaborative partnerships and 
advance Indigenous scientific capability by addressing 
cultural, social, environmental and economic priorities.




Our 2023–24 performance

PERFORMANCE DIMENSION8




FINDINGS

RATING

Connection and engagement

Promotes leadership and fosters connections, providing resources for involvement 
in Indigenous research projects and collaborations with Indigenous enterprises. 
Prioritises engagement with Indigenous science and maintains long-standing 
relationships with Indigenous communities, honouring and integrating their 
viewpoints, traditions and methods into research endeavours.

 On track

Science and 
technology translation

Aims to establish and deepen collaborations to translate research results to the 
market and society. Supports Indigenous-led research, enabling Indigenous 
enterprises and communities to explore innovative pathways and position themselves 
at the forefront of emerging enterprises and technologies. For example, CSIRO 
and strategic partners facilitated initial community engagement about mosquito 
interventions following Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) guidelines with 
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK). This project aims to 
safeguard human health, promote economic activity and improve the lives of Torres 
Strait and Pacific region communities, reduce the burden on hospitals and limit the 
spread of mosquito-borne diseases to Australia. 

 On track

Capacity building and 
improving standards

Highlights include efforts in capacity building, particularly by offering sustainable 
career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientific and support staff. 
Governance and management processes ensure oversight and empowerment to 
manage operations and minimise risks. ICIP principles are embedded to promote 
ethical practices, collaboration, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander contributions.

However, we are unlikely to meet our aspirational Innovate RAP target of 5% 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff representation by December 2024. 
Challenges in resourcing and recruitment processes are key constraints. Creating 
a deeper pool in the labour market of Indigenous candidates for scientific roles is 
another challenge. For example, only 58 Indigenous people completed PhDs in 2022 
compared to around 9,200 non-Indigenous PhD graduates. We have supported the 
Federal Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) since July 2016. However, 
further analysis is needed to assess whether our performance meets targets.

 Monitor

Reputation in research and 
development (R&D) sector

We have a strong reputation in the research and development sector. The ‘Our 
Knowledge Our Way’ guidelines exemplify Indigenous leadership through 
an open and transparent process. We have successfully delivered around 220 
Indigenous‑related research projects since 2017–18. However, gaps in data collection 
and varying levels of project management maturity limits a full understanding 
of research investment’s impact and connections with Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander communities. Additionally, research partnerships have not yet 
reached the stage of co-ownership of registerable project IP or collaborative 
commercialisation models.

 Monitor

Impact delivered

Strong evidence of outcomes has been delivered. Over time, post-project impact 
evaluations will be required to assess whether research addresses Indigenous 
priorities. For example, CSIRO’s Healthy Country AI and Digital program suggests 
Indigenous‑led evaluations can inform research design and success. Indigenous 
women rangers in this program have gained self-confidence and commitment to 
family and cultural duties, while benefiting from culturally safe ways to collect, 
use and share data for decision-making.

 On track





8 Table 1 outlines the definitions of these performance dimensions that we used for undertaking the process evaluation.




1 Introduction

We aim to have a profound and positive impact on the most 
significant challenges and opportunities facing Australia 
and humanity. Our values, objectives and priorities are 
interconnected, providing a foundation for building 
sustainable and meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people. 

The knowledges that enabled Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander Peoples to live and thrive across Australia 
for 65,000 years were developed through science, 
using experimentation and observation. Indigenous 
knowledges are based on holistic systems thinking that 
connects multiple dimensions of human wellbeing and 
environmental harmony. 

Our support for Indigenous science and knowledge 
systems enables the development of innovative solutions 
and technologies. While approaches have often centred 
on Western epistemologies and ontologies, investing 
in Indigenous-led frameworks, sciences and knowledge 
systems opens new, human- and country-centred solutions 
to benefit all Australians.

We have developed ICIP principles to guide how the 
benefits from this collaborative work should flow to 
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through two-way 
capacity building, knowledge sharing and co-production.

This report presents the results of a process evaluation,9


 
marking the starting point in transforming our ways of 
working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and 
partners. This self-assessment focuses on our organisation 
as the primary unit of analysis, with an emphasis on 
learning to uplift and improve our capability. It evaluates 
our research policies and programs affecting Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people and complements our 
Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs).

The self-assessment process evaluates what works 
and under what circumstances, providing insights for 
developing an Indigenous science strategy, our work with 
Indigenous businesses, and engaging with Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander staff and communities. 

1.1 Background

As Australia’s national science agency, our purpose is to 
solve the greatest challenges through innovative science 
and technology. We provide benefits to industry, the 
environment and the community through scientific research 
and capability development, services and advice. 

The primary purpose of this process evaluation is to 
investigate and examine internal strategies, processes, 
programs and systems, as well as our science engagements 
with Indigenous partners. This report tracks the progress 
of our capabilities and commitment to Indigenous-led 
research. Historically, data from Indigenous-related 
evaluations has not consistently represented communities. 
We now aim to document progress made toward ensuring 
improved practices in the future. 

We capture views, knowledges, practices and engagement 
approaches to assess how reconciliation and innovative 
science can improve ways of working with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people. We discuss how 
CSIRO supports the Federal Government’s Closing the 
Gap initiative, meets the expectations of the National 
Agreement on Closing the Gap10


 and identifies gaps in our 
practices to find areas for improvement. This report also 
documents lessons learned from our research engagements 
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

To achieve this, the process evaluation:

• assesses how we are progressing against the 
performance outcomes we set
• examines considerations for improving the 
implementation of processes, people and 
system strategies.


9 Process evaluations examine whether organisational policies and programs are implemented and operate as planned. A process evaluation can be used to 
identify opportunities for improvement and can provide a baseline for future evaluations. Productivity Commission (2020) A Guide to Evaluation under the 
Indigenous Evaluation Strategy, October 2020, p.23. Accessed on 18 December 2023, <https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/indigenous-evaluation/
strategy/indigenous-evaluation-guide.pdf>.
10 National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020. Accessed 23 September 2023: <https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/national-agreement>.




1.2 Report objectives

Our objectives for assessing our performance are:

• to achieve greater Indigenous participation and 
leadership in our research, development agenda 
and activities 
• to ensure Indigenous science endeavours adhere to 
cultural and ethical approaches that are respectful, 
appropriate and aligned with Indigenous rights. 
• to manage Indigenous science investment activities 
in a way that provides both tangible and intangible 
benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
people and communities. 


1.3 Methodology

1.3.1 Data collection

This report draws on data that is already available and 
collected from across the organisation. An evaluation 
methodology that relies exclusively on existing data 
to assess Indigenous‑related research, programs and 
engagement can provide valuable insights into historical 
trends, program efficacy and the impact of research 
initiatives. Our approach therefore involved analysing 
data from past reports, annual performance, program 
records and institutional databases. By synthesising this 
information, we identified patterns, outcomes and areas 
for improvement.

1.3.2 Analysis

This report assesses the available data against 5 
performance dimensions to provide a framework for 
interpreting our progress, areas for development, and 
the limitations and challenges we face in achieving 
these elements.

Table 1 outlines the performance dimensions and 
definitions used for the process evaluation.

1.3.3 Limitations

Relying solely on existing data presents significant 
limitations, particularly in the context of Indigenous‑related 
evaluations. First, existing data may not adequately 
capture the current needs, perspectives or experiences of 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations 
or communities. It is often outdated or collected without 
their direct involvement. This can result in an incomplete or 
skewed understanding of the issues at hand. Furthermore, 
such data may not reflect the unique cultural, social, 
economic/socio-economic and historical contexts crucial 
for effectively evaluating Indigenous programs. The reliance 
on secondary sources can also perpetuate biases present 
in the original data, further limiting the validity and 
reliability of the evaluation findings. Therefore, while 
useful, this methodology requires careful consideration of 
its limitations and should, where possible, be supplemented 
with Indigenous-led and community-engaged approaches 
to ensure a more comprehensive and culturally 
sensitive evaluation.

Table 1: Performance dimensions of CSIRO’s self-assessment process

PERFORMANCE DIMENSION

DEFINITION

Connection and engagement

Effectively engage Indigenous research and research translation partners to deliver innovative, 
sustainable and holistic solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Science and technology translation

Maintain high-quality, impact-focused science capability and resources to elevate and invest 
in Indigenous knowledge and knowledge systems.

Capacity building and 
improving standards

Embrace Indigenous knowledge and science to enhance our innovation capacity, build cultural 
capability and support the development of an Indigenous STEM talent pipeline.

Reputation in R&D sector

Uphold social accountability by co-designing system change to support Indigenous-led research.

Impact delivered

Contribute to significant economic, social and cultural benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people through the innovation ecosystem.







1.4 Report structure

This report is structured in 3 parts:

Part 1

illustrates our program logic for supporting change and contributing to better 
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the context 
of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and Australia’s National Science 
and Research Priorities.

Part 2 

examines what we have achieved and identifies opportunities to enhance our 
capability to deliver Indigenous research, engage with Indigenous businesses 
and build an Indigenous STEM workforce pipeline.

Part 3

reflects our lessons learned through our engagement with Indigenous 
partners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, as well as our efforts 
to embrace and elevate Indigenous knowledges and science. 

1.5 Key audience

This process evaluation has been developed with 7 primary audiences in mind.

CSIRO
people

Aboriginal
and Torres
Strait Islander
partners

Traditional 
Owners and 
representative 
bodies

Community 
organisations
and networks

Government

Research
bodies

Indigenous-owned 
enterprises



2 Supporting government 
priorities for advancing 
Indigenous science

Key messages

• Our science program aligns with key government 
priorities, supporting change and contributing to 
better outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
• The Indigenous Science and Engagement Program 
(ISEP) aims to prioritise science solutions for 
Indigenous Australia, embrace Indigenous leadership 
in science delivery and inspire talent to create 
national impact.
• Our support for the National Agreement on Closing 
the Gap includes contributions to the 4 Priority 
Reforms: Formal partnerships and shared decision 
making; Building the community-controlled sector; 
Transforming government organisations; and Shared 
access to data and information at a regional level.


In this section, we illustrate how our science program 
aligns with key government priorities. We also outline 
our program logic, demonstrating how we are supporting 
change and contributing to better outcomes for Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people. We provide context for 
our Indigenous-related research program by identifying 
connections with Australia’s refreshed National Science and 
Research Priorities. 

2.1 Alignment with key 
government priorities

Our Corporate Plan 2024–25 reflects the Australian 
Government’s Statement of Expectations.11


 To meet these 
expectations, we are committed to building stronger 
relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We aim to provide national leadership in supporting 
Indigenous science and research engagement, including 
incubating and accelerating Indigenous science opportunities. 
This ambition is supported by our investment of $38.16 million 
in 80 Indigenous research projects during 2023–24, aiming 
to create positive impacts for all Australians.12




Through our ISEP, we strive to lead national science through 
an Indigenous knowledge and science lens to deliver:

• science solutions prioritised by Indigenous Australians
• pathways that embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander leadership in science delivery
• talent that is inspired and equipped to make a 
national difference. 


ISEP works across CSIRO to drive activities that contribute 
to solving the challenges faced by, and meeting the 
aspirations of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
people and communities. 

2.2 Supporting the 
National Agreement on 
Closing the Gap efforts

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap establishes 
a partnership between government and peak Indigenous 
organisations. Central to the agreement are 4 Priority 
Reforms intended to drive change in how governments 
engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
and communities: 

• Formal partnerships and shared decision making
• Building the community-controlled sector
• Transforming government organisations
• Shared access to data and information at a regional level.


11 CSIRO Strategy Corporate Plan 2024–25, Accessed on 29 August 2024, < https://www.csiro.au/en/about/Corporate-governance/Corporate-Plan/24-25-
corporate-plan#:~:text=2024%E2%80%9325%20Strategy&text=A%20stronger%20national%20innovation%20system,strengthen%20our%20nation%27s%20
STEM%20pipeline>.
12 In 2023–24, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) expended $75.2 million on 216 active research grants related to Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander health research, which represents 8.4 per cent of total grant expenditure through the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA). 
Accessed on 4 December 2024, <https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/file/22786/download?token=huj39VzD>; The Medical Research Future Fund’s Indigenous Health 
Research Fund (IHRF) is providing $160 million over 11 years from 2018–19 for Indigenous-led research to tackle health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people. In 2023–24, the Minister for Health and Aged Care announced the awarding of $30.8 million for 26 new research projects through the 
IHRF’s 2022 grant opportunity. Source accessed 15 August 2024, <https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/308-million-for-health-
research-that-listens-to-indigenous-communities?language=en>; The Australian Research Council (ARC) administers the Discovery Indigenous scheme to 
support research projects led by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher. Discovery Indigenous grants include support for Discovery Australian 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards (DAATSIAs), which are fellowships available to eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers. As at 
15 August 2024, grant funding under the Discovery Indigenous grants scheme totalled $8.97 million, with an average grant size of approximately $1 million.




The Commonwealth Closing the Gap Actions Table13


 
demonstrates how our actions align with the National 
Agreement on Closing the Gap efforts. The measures show 
how we are transforming as an organisation to support 
the delivery of science outcomes for Indigenous partners. 
This list showcases some of the actions we are taking within 
the Indigenous science domain and does not represent the 
full scope of our initiatives.

Table 2 outlines both new and ongoing actions we are 
implementing, as depicted in the Commonwealth Closing 
the Gap Actions Table. These actions exemplify progress 
towards building culturally safe and responsive policies 
and programs.

The following section of the report provides further 
details on the measures we are taking in response to the 
Priority Reforms.

Table 2: CSIRO actions in the Commonwealth Closing the Gap Actions Table (24 May 2024)

ACTION

PRIORITY 
REFORM

OUTCOME

IS THE INVESTMENT 100% 
INDIGENOUS SPECIFIC?

TOTAL 
INVESTMENT 

DELIVERY 
START DATE

DELIVERY 
END DATE

Board appointment

One

Three

Three

03

08

17

Yes 

Internally 
funded (a)

2/03/2023

2/03/2028

CSIRO Indigenous 
Employment Strategy

Three

07

08

Yes 

Internally 
funded (a)

1/07/2022

31/12/2024

CSIRO Indigenous 
Graduate Program

Three

05

06

07

08

Yes 

$12.0 million

13/03/2023

30/06/2026

CSIRO Indigenous 
Jobs Map

Four

08

17

Yes 

Internally 
resourced (b)

22/01/2022

30/08/2023

CSIRO Indigenous 
Procurement Strategy

Two

Three

07

08

Yes 

Internally 
funded (a)

1/06/2023

N/A

CSIRO Indigenous 
Research Grants Programs

One

Three

08

17

Yes 

Internally 
funded (a)

31/10/2022

31/10/2026

CSIRO Indigenous Science 
and Engagement Program

Two

Three

15

16

Yes 

$26.0 million

1/05/2021

1/07/2026

CSIRO Indigenous STEM 
University Scholarships

Two

Three

05

06

Yes 

$5.5 million

1/01/2024

Ongoing

CSIRO Reconciliation 
Action Plan (c)

Three

14

15

Yes 

Internally 
funded (a)

1/01/2021

1/12/2023

Living STEM

Three

04

05

14

16

Yes 

$1.5 million

1/08/2023

31/01/2026

CSIRO and James Cook 
University Partnership (d)

One

05

06

07

No 

$0.2 million

17/12/2021

16/12/2026





Notes: This excludes the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy. (a) Costs absorbed within existing resources. (b) Internally resourced from existing 
staff. (c) Superseded by CSIRO’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024–2027. (d) The CSIRO and James Cook University Partnership agreement is 
under review.

13 Commonwealth Closing the Gap Actions Table | NIAA; The Commonwealth Closing the Gap Actions Table provides an annual update on initiatives to support 
efforts for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The Action Table provides transparency in monitoring and public reporting on the transformation of 
mainstream agencies and institutions. Actions are as at 24 May 2024.




2.3 Connections and pathway

We are a customer-focused organisation, committed to 
understanding better how our science and technology 
solutions and broader activities contribute to positive 
outcomes for Indigenous partners. Our focus on translating 
science and technology into practical products and services 
has led us to refine how we engage with Indigenous 
partners and manage knowledge translation. 

The next section outlines our investments and 
collaborations with Indigenous partners. 

2.3.1 Connections with the National 
Science Statement and National Science 
and Research Priorities

On 12 August 2024, the Australian Government released 
the National Science Statement and the refreshed National 
Science and Research Priorities (NSRPs). The National 
Science Statement identified 5 imperatives14


 for shaping 
the national science system and policy. It highlights the 
critical role we play in impacting the future of innovation 
science and technology,15


 while expanding opportunities 
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists.

Consistent with our organisational strategy, we aim to 
increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation 
and inclusion in our research and development agenda, and 
to help address the challenges and meet the aspirations of 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.16




The NSRPs emphasise the importance of investing in 
Indigenous knowledge and recognising Indigenous 
perspectives on science: 

Indigenous and Western scientists provide diverse 
and often complementary approaches to knowledge 
gathering and interpretation of the natural environment. 
Yet to date, there have been few opportunities 
for Indigenous scientists to work with Western 
scientists and have their knowledge seen as equal. 
This acknowledgment and interaction would allow 
both to understand each other’s knowledge systems 
and methodologies and to share them, benefitting the 
scientific community more broadly, and Australia.17




— Professor Bradley J. Moggridge

The NSRPs identify challenges facing Australia that require 
a coordinated, multidisciplinary and multisector approach. 
The priorities are:

• Priority 1: Transitioning to a net zero future
• Priority 2: Supporting healthy and thriving communities
• Priority 3: Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
knowledge systems
• Priority 4: Protecting and restoring 
Australia’s environment
• Priority 5: Building a secure and resilient nation


Our approach to impact management assumes that to 
fully understand the value of research, it is essential to 
track how research translates into real-world benefits. 
CSIRO’s impact areas explain how our science programs 
deliver the priorities and maximise the benefits for 
Indigenous partners. 

We define impact as: 

an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, 
society and environment, beyond contributions 
to academic knowledge.18




14 Australia’s National Science Statement, p.5 Accessed on 12 August 2024, < https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-science-statement-2024>.
15 Australia’s National Science Statement recognises CSIRO’s ‘extraordinary history of globally significant inventions, from the insect repellent in Aerogard to the 
Hendra virus vaccine to handheld light detection and ranging (LIDAR)’. Australia’s National Science Statement, p.6.
16 CSIRO Strategy Corporate Plan 2023–24. Accessed on 12 August 2024, <https://www.csiro.au/en/about/corporate-governance/corporate-plan/23-24-
corporate-plan>.
17 Professor Bradley J. Moggridge; Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities, p7. Accessed on 13 August 2024 <Australia’s National Science and 
Research Priorities (industry.gov.au)>.
18 CSIRO Impact Evaluation Guide, p.6. Accessed on 14 June 2024, <https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjp9f6rhoeHAxUEamwGHdHvCzwQFnoECAYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.csiro.au%2F~%2Fmedia%2FAbout%2FFiles%2FOur-impact-framework%2FCSIROImpactEvaluationGuide_WEB.pdf&usg=AOvVaw39M42srvZ_v85Io6HLH_Qh&opi=89978449>.




Figure 1 (a Sankey diagram) illustrates the relationship 
between CSIRO’s research with Indigenous partners and the 
Indigenous focus of the NSRPs. The diagram highlights the 
connections between CSIRO’s Indigenous-related research 
‘impact areas’19


 and NSRPs. 

The nodes in the flow diagram reflect the distribution 
of our research investments with Indigenous partners 
across our science programs, showing the balance 
of these investments relative to the impact areas 
for Indigenous‑related projects. The bands, or links, 
between the nodes represent the frequency with 
which our impact areas align with the 5 NSRPs. 

They reflect the strength of connection between our 
research efforts and each NRSP priority, showing 
how our investments flow towards key national 
priorities, particularly in Indigenous knowledge and 
environmental protection. 

In 2023–24, our research investment with Indigenous 
partners has been most strongly aligned with Priority 3: 
Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge 
systems and Priority 4: Protecting and restoring 
Australia’s environment.

Figure 1: Flow between CSIRO impact areas for Indigenous-related research and Australia’s National Science and Research 
Priorities 2023–24

19 CSIRO’s Research Units are the core vehicle for research impact delivery. They integrate all activities, from capability development through to science 
delivery and client and commercial engagement. Research Unit goals specify the nature of science to be undertaken within the context of broader 
national challenges and research priorities. A Research Unit refines how it will achieve its goal through articulating the broad areas of impact it is planning 
to deliver. Within CSIRO, the articulation of a Research Unit’s future intended impact, characterised using the program logic and described in Impact 
Statements, is undertaken at the Program level. Impact Statements (which summarise several impact pathways developed at a lower level closer to the 
research) are aggregated up to describe achievement of Program and Research Unit goals. CSIRO’s impact evaluation framework. Accessed on 14 June 2024, 
<https://www.csiro.au/en/about/corporate-governance/ensuring-our-impact/a-csiro-wide-approach-to-impact#:~:text=The%20CSIRO%27s%20Impact%20
Framework%20is,outcomes%20into%20long%20term%20impact>. CSIRO Leadership Team <https://www.csiro.au/-/media/About/Files/CSIRO-Leadership-
Team-Chart.pdf>


CSIRO Science Programs

CSIRO Impact Areas

National Science and 
Research Priorities

Priority 1: Transitioning 
to a net zero future

Priority 2: Supporting healthy 
and thriving communities

Priority 3: Elevating Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander 
knowledge systems

Priority 4: Protecting 
and restoring Australia’s 
environment

Priority 5: Building a secure 
and resilient nation



Table 3 presents the value of our total investment20


 in 
Indigenous-related research, with a significant portion 
directed towards Priority 3: Elevating Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander knowledge systems and Priority 4: Protecting 
and restoring Australia’s environment as outlined in 
the NSRPs.

2.3.2 CSIRO’s Indigenous pathway to impact 

CSIRO’s science research is designed to create a range 
of economic, social, cultural and indirect benefits 
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and 
communities. These impacts arise both through how we 
engage with Indigenous partners and from the outcomes 
of our research. 

The CSIRO Indigenous Pathway to Impact maps our 
approach to delivering research outputs in collaboration 
with our funding partners and through Indigenous and 
non‑Indigenous partnerships. This program logic describes 
how resources are allocated and mobilised to produce our 
research outputs, which deliver value to Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander people through their successful uptake 
and adoption. It also identifies the building blocks for what 
we plan to deliver and the changes we expect to achieve by 
creating strong partnerships, executing strategic actions 
and improving organisational capabilities.

The pathway highlights the expected benefits contributed 
through science, cultural and socioeconomic outcomes for 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our Impact 
Framework21


 underpins our Indigenous Pathway to Impact 
(Figure 2), which summarises the process of creating 
impact – starting with the deployment of inputs to 
conduct research, producing research outputs, leading to 
short- and medium-term outcomes, and culminating in 
long‑term impacts. 

The ultimate aim of the Indigenous Pathway to Impact 
is to improve our understanding of the economic, 
social, environmental and cultural effects of our work 
and to design research engagements that maximise 
these outcomes.

Table 3: Alignment of CSIRO’s Indigenous-related research with 
the National Science and Research Priorities, total investment 
in 2023–24

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND 
RESEARCH PRIORITIES

INVESTMENT 
($MILLION)

Priority 1
Transitioning to a net zero future

0.55 

Priority 2
Supporting healthy and thriving communities

0.52 

Priority 3
Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
knowledge systems

18.04 

Priority 4
Protecting and restoring Australia’s 
environment

18.44 

Priority 5
Building a secure and resilient nation

0.62 





20 We use our corporate project finance and audit reporting IT platform (‘Opportunity to Deliver’ (O2D)) to validate and capture accurate data on all 
Indigenous-related research projects. We manage more than 5,000 research projects and assign ‘tags’ to classify Indigenous-related research within 
the O2D IT platform.
21 CSIRO’s Impact Framework defines what we mean by ‘impact’, describes the types of impacts we are looking to monitor and how we aim to generate them. 
Planning, monitoring and evaluating impact is based on a theory of change model called program logic. Accessed on 14 June 2024,
<https://www.csiro.au/en/about/corporate-governance/ensuring-our-impact/a-csiro-wide-approach-to-impact>




Figure 2: Mapping the CSIRO Indigenous Pathway to Impact

Purpose statement

We partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to create a better future for Australia

Inputs: What we invest

Financial inputs

• Internal CSIRO projects
• CSIRO co-investment
• External grant funding
• Industry partners


Rightsholder and 
stakeholder participation

CSIRO, governments, 
industry, and research 
partnerships and 
collaborative networks.

Trans-disciplinary 
practice and learnings 
from prior projects with 
Indigenous people.

Policy and strategy

Strategic planning for fostering 
and generating new ideas 
from research.

Governance

• Indigenous Science and 
Engagement Program (ISEP)
• Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG)
• Reconciliation Action Plan
• Indigenous Cultural and 
Intellectual Property 
(ICIP) principles


Activities: What we do

Administer funding and grants 
for research with Indigenous 
partners by engaging with 
Indigenous communities, 
organisations and forums 
to identify opportunities. 

Identify Indigenous‑led 
approaches to recognise 
integrity, shared visions, 
respectful relationship 
and reflective learning, 
including through 
enterprise‑wide 
strategies for 
Indigenous employment 
and engagement.

Work with Indigenous 
communities, organisations and 
forums to identify opportunities 
for research, capacity building 
and creating Indigenous-driven 
science solutions.

Build a growing evidence base to 
better guide investment planning 
and strategic decision making for 
the factors that drive improved 
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people, communities 
and environment.

Outputs: Our deliverables

Deliver science solutions to 
support sustainable futures 
for Indigenous people, 
cultures and Country and 
enable acceleration and 
incubation of Indigenous‑led 
science opportunities. 

Enterprise framework and 
tools for bringing together 
Indigenous knowledge, 
values and priorities 
across CSIRO.

An Indigenous STEM 
workforce pipeline.

Cultural capability and 
acknowledgement of the role of 
Indigenous knowledge holders. 

Improved knowledge and 
capability across/within CSIRO 
for culturally responsive initiative 
design and demonstrating 
impact at scale.

ICIP Principles included in 
implementation plans, procedures, 
guidelines and contractual 
arrangements (including for third 
party transactions).

Development of cultural capability 
for elevating translation of 
Indigenous knowledge and science.

Outcomes: The uptake, adoption or consumption of our work

Impacts: Benefits to economy, 
environment and society

Short-term outcomes

Co-design approach for 
developing and supporting 
sustainable long-term policy 
and planning.

Indigenous partners are 
informed and provided access 
to culturally relevant tools 
and resources.

Indigenous-led research 
projects that serve our 
shared interests.

Medium-term outcomes

Elevating and investing 
in Indigenous knowledge 
and knowledge systems 
is shaping policy and 
supporting more diverse 
perspectives on science 
and research.

Research is conducted 
on questions that 
are meaningful to 
Indigenous communities.

Long-term outcomes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people benefit from 
their Indigenous estate. 

System change based on 
principles of rights and 
recognition, intergenerational 
leadership and 
cultural revitalisation.

Australian society is more inclusive 
and Indigenous rights are protected.

Australian innovation capacity uplift 
from growth in Indigenous‑led 
science and STEM workforce growth.

Wellbeing, quality of life 
and future security.

Environmental stewardship 
and adaptability. 

Connections with family, 
kinship and community.







3 Measuring our contribution 
to the National Agreement 
on Closing the Gap 
Priority Reforms

Key messages

• We engage in Indigenous research to improve 
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people, with an emphasis on two-way 
communication, trust-building, and respecting 
Indigenous perspectives and practices in research 
development and implementation.
• We collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander partners to develop technologies 
and methods that support Indigenous-led 
entrepreneurship and sustainable enterprises, 
ensuring their economic viability.
• Our employment strategy focuses on retaining 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent, while our 
procurement strategy aims to deepen commercial 
relationships with Indigenous businesses, 
contributing to increased Indigenous employment 
and business engagement.


This section examines our performance in driving 
change as a government agency, focusing on how we 
work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
The self‑assessment process evaluates what works, and in 
what circumstances, and provides insights to improve our 
people strategies, culture, systems and processes.

In its first review of the National Agreement on Closing 
Gap, the Productivity Commission recommended that 
government agencies take action to address Priority 
Reform 3 by developing and executing an evidence‑based 
transformation strategy for how they work with 
Indigenous people.22


 

Table 4 summarises the performance framework we used in 
our self-assessment process. The following sections report 
on our performance across these dimensions.

Table 4: Performance dimensions of CSIRO’s self-assessment process

PERFORMANCE DIMENSION

DEFINITION

Connection and engagement

Effectively engage Indigenous research and research translation partners to deliver innovative, 
sustainable and holistic solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Science and technology translation

Maintain high-quality, impact-focused science capability and resources to elevate and invest 
in Indigenous knowledge and knowledge systems.

Capacity building and 
improving standards

Embrace Indigenous knowledge and science to enhance our innovation capacity, build cultural 
capability and support the development of an Indigenous STEM talent pipeline.

Reputation in R&D sector

Uphold social accountability by co-designing system change to support Indigenous-led research.

Impact delivered

Contribute to significant economic, social and cultural benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people through the innovation ecosystem.





22 The Productivity Commission’s Review of the National Agreement on Closing Gap was publicly released on 7 February 2024. Productivity Commission 2024, 
Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, Study report, volume 1, Canberra. Accessed on 7 February 2024, <https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/
completed/closing-the-gap-review/report>




3.1 Connection and engagement 

This section explores the cultural and operational elements 
within our organisation that contribute to fostering 
leadership, building connections, and securing resourcing 
for Indigenous research activities and partnerships with 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

3.1.1 Strengthening connectedness through 
Indigenous science engagement

Our Indigenous research engagements stem from 
opportunities identified to improve outcomes for 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Most of our 
activities, whether in science delivery or corporate tasks, 
are delivered through projects. 

Our engagements involve frequent two-way 
communication, building trust and the continuous 
nurturing of relationships. By establishing connections 
and building trust at a local level early in the process, 
we aim to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander perspectives, values and cultural practices are 
respected and integrated into our research development 
and implementation. 

Box 1 highlights an example of our long-standing 
relationship with Torres Strait Islander communities, where 
we have supported the conservation of the Indigenous 
estate since 1989.



Box 1: Supporting Torres Strait marine 
ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods

We have established a trusted reputation in Torres 
Strait through continuous two-way communication, 
collaboration and capacity building. In November 2023, 
we conducted our 35th annual population survey of 
the tropical rock lobster in the region.23


 The survey 
data informs the annual setting of a Total Allowable 
Catch (TAC) in Torres Strait. Sustainable fishing practices 
are essential as lobster populations can fluctuate 
significantly from year to year. 

We also launched the new Torres Strait Marine Climate 
Change project, funded by Torres Strait Regional 
Authority (TSRA), which includes Torres Strait Islander 
representatives on the project’s steering committee.24


 
This enduring collaboration serves as a platform for 
additional projects, including research on a triple 
bottom line25


 approach for management, bêche-de-mer 
(sea cucumber), the development and implementation 
of a new harvest strategy policy, and the re-opening of 
a closed fishery26


 for a CITES-listed species, driven by 
Indigenous-led aquaculture efforts.

This work has informed and led the development 
of an engagement strategy for Indigenous fishing 
interests, focusing on Commonwealth waters. As part 
of this effort, we continue to apply novel genomics 
approaches to delineate and estimate the abundance 
of finfish stocks in Torres Strait, develop innovative 
harvest strategies that integrate Indigenous aspirations 
and plan adaptation strategies to account for climate 
change impacts.

Our connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
communities is also growing through social media. 
In 2023–24, we increased our Indigenous-focused social 
media activity with 249 posts on Facebook, Instagram, 
Twitter and LinkedIn, representing a 44.77 per cent 
increase from 2022–23. Additionally, our Double 
Helix magazine featured 22 internal and 31 external 
Indigenous‑focused stories. 

Further details about our approach to Indigenous science 
and engagement are presented in the next part on 
lessons learned.

3.2 Science and 
technology translation

This section discusses how we form partnerships and 
commercial relationships and catalyse entrepreneurial 
activity to successfully deliver science research with 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners.

3.2.1 Supporting Indigenous partners with 
research translation

We collaborate with Indigenous-led research, enterprises and 
communities to explore innovative pathways that position 
these communities at the forefront of emerging enterprises 
and technologies. We aim to establish and deepen 
collaborations to ensure the translation of research results 
into practical, market-ready solutions and societal benefits.

Box 2 provides an example of Indigenous science 
engagement through a project demonstrating the 
economic viability of extensive prawn farming technology. 
The initial engagement began with an EOI process to gauge 
interest from Indigenous communities. A key benefit of 
this process is that it flipped the engagement approach. 
Rather than presenting communities with a predetermined 
solution, we outlined potential benefits, allowing the 
communities to consider and determine if the project 
aligned with their aspirations. 

23 CSIRO’s Torres Strait tropical lobster survey is currently the longest running fishery-independent dive survey for any marine resource globally and includes 
critical baseline monitoring of habitats (for example, seagrass) and physical data that can help inform on climate change impacts and adaptation in the 
region. Our team first commenced these surveys in 1989, initially conducting a large-scale so-called benchmark survey to understand the full extent of the 
distribution and abundance of the lobster population in Torres Strait. Our team are responsible for conducting research surveys, processing and analysing 
data, modelling, engaging with Torres Strait Islanders and providing management advice for the region’s major fisheries, which are considered world‑leading 
in many respects. Plagányi, É, Dutra, L., Murphy, N., Edgar, S., Salee, K., Deng, R.A., Blamey, L.K., Parker, D. Brodie, S. (2024) Lessons from long‑term 
monitoring of tropical rock lobsters to support fisheries management, Fisheries Research, Volume 275, July 2024, 107030; <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
fishres.2024.107030>.
24 Our researchers hosted a community event on Waiben (Thursday Island) in November 2023, and together with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), 
launched a new research project that will provide vital information into the impacts of climate change on key fisheries in local waters. The new modelling 
project will use data that CSIRO has collected over the past 35 years as part of CSIRO’s annual Torres Strait tropical lobster population survey.
25 Tropical rock lobster, sea cucumber and finfish fisheries support the lifestyles, livelihoods, and culture of families and communities across the Torres Strait, 
and as a source of income enable Torres Strait Islanders to live on country rather than seek employment elsewhere. Plagányi, É., van Putten, I., Hutton, T., 
Campbell, R.A., (2013) Integrating indigenous livelihood and lifestyle objectives in managing a natural resource, PNAS, February 26, 2013, vol. 110, no. 9, 
pp. 3639–3644; <https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1217822110>.
26 Murphy, N., Skewes, T., & Plagányi, É. (2024) Boom and no bust for a teatfish in Torres Strait, Australia from combined forms of western and Indigenous 
management. Conservation Science and Practice, 6(2), e13073; <https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.13073>.




Box 2: Unlocking aquaculture potential 
in Australia’s Top End

Northern Australia’s warm waters make the Top End 
an ideal environment for sustainable prawn farming. 
However, challenges like cyclones, heavy rain, predatory 
birds and the remote location have complicated previous 
commercial attempts. Now, with innovative research led in 
Darwin, the industry is getting another chance to thrive.

We have partnered with Tiwi Resources, an Indigenous 
organisation representing the 8 clan groups of the Tiwi 
Islands, to progress an extensive prawn farming initiative. 
This staged project will establish a demonstration farm at 
Wurankuwu, Bathurst Island, starting with 6 one-hectare 
ponds. Success here could lead to further expansion across 
northern Australia, creating opportunities in new locations. 
The benefits of this approach include:

• ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
community interest and aspirations for aquaculture 
development are at the forefront
• co-designing a demonstration farm in partnership 
with the community
• raising awareness of aquaculture as a sustainable 
livelihood option
• creating the basis for external investment into prawn 
farming and related supply chain industries
• providing training, knowledge-sharing and 
expertise to help mitigate risks in developing 
a commercial enterprise.




3.3 Capacity building and improving standards

This section discusses the alignment of our governance and 
management processes with our commitment to fostering 
sustainable career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander staff.

3.3.1 Alignment of CSIRO’s governance 
and management processes

Our corporate frameworks operate in an integrated manner 
to ensure our Board has governance oversight of the 
organisation, while the Executive Team is empowered to 
manage operations, deliver science programs and minimise 
risks. The CSIRO Board includes leaders who are eminent in 
their fields, such as Professor Alex Brown, a proud member 
of the Yuin nation and the first Indigenous scientist to join 
the Board. 

While we are proud of our achievements, we recognise that 
capacity building and improving standards is an ongoing 
journey. There are always opportunities to build on our 
lessons learned to deliver positive outcomes for all.

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2021–2327


 
is championed by an internal Indigenous Engagement 
Implementation Committee (IEIC), supported by an Executive 
Sponsor from the CSIRO Leadership Team and advised by 
the external Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG).28


 Given our 
scale as a multidisciplinary organisation with sites across the 
country, we decided to maintain an Innovate-level RAP for 
our third plan, covering 2021–23. This allowed us to focus on 
embedding our RAP actions as part of our business as usual.

Figure 3: Highlights from CSIRO’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021–2023

27 CSIRO’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021–23. Accessed on 12 June 2024, <https://www.csiro.au/en/about/indigenous-science-and-engagement-
program/reconciliation-action-plan>. 
28 The external IAG operates under CSIRO’s Advisory Groups Charter. The IAG provides independent, external advice to CSIRO through a member of the 
Executive Sponsor, nominated by the Chief Executive. The IAG also assists CSIRO on broader strategic issues relevant to the sectors in which the Research 
Units and CSIRO’s other lines of business (National Facilities and Collections and CSIRO Services) and Enterprise Units operate, including oversight of CSIRO’s 
RAP and associated strategies.


Capability

99% 

staff completed online 
Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander Cultural 
Awareness Training 

2023 GARMA 
delegation

10 staff attended, including 
5 senior leaders 

CSIRO did not attend in 2021 
or 2022 due to COVID

98% 

of CSIRO leadership team 
participated in Cultural 
Safety training

Indigenous-led research

30

projects enabled by the 
Indigenous Research 
Grants Program

Supported by

$6.3M

in funding

Indigenous Leadership

1 

Board position

40% 

of Research/Enterprise 
Unit advisory groups have 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander representation

Indigenous Science 
and Engagement 
Program 
established

Indigenous Cultural 
and Intellectual 
Property Principles 
developed 

Indigenous Jobs 
Map launched

Procurement

$33.4M

spent on goods and 
services with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait 
Islander businesses

July 2021 – June 2024

Indigenous 
Procurement 
Strategy launched



Proactively, we took the time to evaluate and measure the 
progress of our Innovate RAP commitments to ensure they 
were delivering the intended positive impacts. Our Innovate 
RAP 2021–23 comprised 17 core actions, spanning 90 
deliverables, aimed at building stronger relationships 
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through 
knowledge sharing, education, employment opportunities 
and mutually beneficial partnerships. As of December 2023, 
71 per cent of those actions and deliverables were ongoing, 
2 per cent required action and 26 per cent had been 
achieved. Figure 3 highlights key achievements resulting 
from the actions undertaken in our Innovate Reconciliation 
Action Plan 2021–23.

Butchulla woman and research technician on the Indigenous 
Jobs Map project Shanae Burns with the Indigenous Jobs Map.

Partnerships

$387K

sponsorship of Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait 
Islander organisations

69 

Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander 
research partnerships

5 

Indigenous‑owned 
enterprises 
participated in business 
development programs

Recognition

36/48 

CSIRO sites display 
Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander flags

Maximum achievable is 37/48

20/26

Australian CSIRO-owned 
sites formally acknowledge 
Traditional Owners in 
reception areas

Maximum achievable is 21/26

Student pathways

12 

scholarships
totalling $5.8M

4 

Indigenous Time 
at Sea Scholarship 
work placements

5 

Indigenous Undergraduate 
Marine Career 
Pathways placements

Participation in 
Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait 
Islander STEM 
Education 
programs

270 students in FY21/22

386 students in FY22/23

492 students in FY23/24 

Employment

2.46% 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander staff, increase of 
112% since June 2021

Includes

15%

leadership

58% 

research focused staff and

37 

graduates with 
14 undertaking a masters 
or PhD program

Aboriginal 
and Torres 
Strait Islander 
Employment 
Strategy developed

Launched CSIRO’s 
Indigenous 
Graduate Program



In 2024, following endorsement from Reconciliation3.3.2Improved policies for

Australia, we are transitioning from the strong foundations 
built in our Innovate 2021–23 RAP to our Stretch RAP for 
2024–27. This next phase will be marked by a deeper 
integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
worldviews into our governance systems.

Key to this transition will be incorporating structural and 
system-level models, such as Indigenous membership 
within governing groups like the Board, Indigenous 
Advisory Group, Executive Team, and research advisory and 
management committees. Strengthening these governancemodels includes the appointment of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander staff, particularly in senior roles, and 
further embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
perspectives across organisational frameworks – spanning 
strategies, policies and reporting mechanisms.

This approach ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander voices are integral to decision-making processes 
and supports long-term, sustainable change within CSIRO’s 
governance structures.

RECOGNITION AND RESPECT FOR ICIP

CSIRO recognises and respects the ICIP 

and on going ICIP rights of Aboriginal 

and Torres Strait Islander people.

1.1Recognition of ICIP
1.2Recognition of diversity 
of ICIP and protocols
IMPACT FROM ICIP

CSIRO will ensure that the 

benefits and impact arising from 

the use of ICIP will be shared 

14
in a fair and equitable way 

and properly attributed.

4.1Attribution
4.2Sharingbenefits
respecting Indigenous Cultural andIntellectualProperty

The development of the ICIP Principles represents a 
significant institutional framework for CSIRO, aimed at 
acknowledging and respecting the tangible and intangibleaspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ 
cultural heritage and associated rights. The intent of 
these principles is to walk together for a better future 
and co-develop an inclusive approach to research and 
engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
Peoples, grounded in mutual respect for their ICIP. 

The ICIP Principles provide clear guidance for CSIRO people, 
partners and contractors to ensure respectful engagement 
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and 
treatment and handling of ICIP. 

Figure 4 illustrates these ICIP Principles, emphasising 
how they shape CSIRO’s interactions with Traditional 
Owners in ensuring ethical and responsible handling 
of cultural heritage.29

SELF DETERMINATION AND ICIP

CSIRO recognises and respects Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander Peoples right to 
self-determination in relation to their ICIP.

2.1Engagement and consent
23
2.2Interpretation and cultural integrity
2.3Confidentiality, privacy and 
cultural safety
LOOKING AFTER ICIP

CSIRO will work with Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander people 
to ensure that ICIP is accessed, 
recorded, used, and archived, in 
accordance with culturalprotocols.

3.1Management of ICIP
3.2Ways of looking after of ICIP
Figure 4: CSIRO’s Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Principles

29The purpose of the ICIP definition in these Principles is to draw attention to the scope and content of cultural heritage included within that definition. 
In the case of ICIP rights, the definition draws attention to the rights that exist, or which are to be created, in relation to the ICIP. Accessed on 6 June 2024,
<https://www.csiro.au/en/about/policies/science-and-delivery-policy/indigenous-cultural-and-intellectual-property-principles>.

24Indigenous Collaboration and Partnerships 2023–24


CSIRO engages with ICIP through partnerships and 
collaborations, where access to existing ICIP is granted. 
We frequently become involved in creating records, 
information and outputs that document, contain or 
embody this ICIP. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander peoples and communities often adapt or create 
new ICIP as part of research engagements with us. The ICIP 
Principles support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
control, decision‑making, governance, participation and 
collaboration in determining the use of all forms of ICIP, 
ensuring it serves their own purposes.

Since the approval of the ICIP Principles in November 2023, 
we have been actively raising awareness of them, both 
internally (via intranet, seminars and articles) and externally 
(with Indigenous partners, research organisations and other 
government agencies). We have developed resources to 
ensure their effective implementation. 

We also engage both internally and externally to 
gather feedback on our ICIP approach, refining 
practices accordingly. 

An internal ICIP Implementation Working Group has been 
established to develop an e-learning module on ICIP and 
engage with an Indigenous law firm to review and improve 
additional contracting templates and guides. To support 
ongoing learning and adoption, we have developed an 
ICIP Advice Tracker to document questions and advice 
for our people as they implement the ICIP Principles. 
Insights from the tracker will help improve resources and 
support consistent applications across the organisation. 
These insights may also inform the development of a 
monitoring, evaluation and learning framework to assess 
the impact of the ICIP Principles. 

One notable example of managing and safeguarding 
ICIP is the Indigenous seasonal calendars co-developed 
with Indigenous knowledge holders across Australia.30


 
These seasonal calendars are important tools for 
sharing and learning about Indigenous knowledges and 
management of Country.31


 

When concerns have been raised by Traditional Knowledge 
holders about inappropriate use, we responded by 
improving our copyright and ICIP notices on the calendars, 
including the addition of QR codes. We also updated our 
website to include an educative piece on ICIP. We added 
cultural integrity context where we could (for example, 
language audio to pronounce words) and included ICIP 
specific terms and conditions for calendar download to 
keep track of who downloads the calendars and how users 
propose to use them for educational outreach purposes. 
Terms and conditions of accessing the Indigenous seasonal 
calendars requires users to:

• acknowledge and properly attribute who and where the 
ICIP came from 
• respect the ICIP and treat it in the right way and maintain 
its cultural integrity.


The intention is that we can share this usage information 
with Indigenous knowledge holders to inform them 
of how their knowledge is being used across Australia 
and internationally.

Box 3 highlights an example of CSIRO’s journey in putting 
the ICIP Principles into action. 

30 Indigenous seasonal calendars. Accessed on 13 June 2024, <https://www.csiro.au/en/research/indigenous-science/indigenous-knowledge/calendars>. 
Indigenous language groups from across Australia have partnered with CSIRO to co-develop seasonal calendars. 
31 Woodward, E.L. & McTaggart, P. M 2016, Transforming cross-cultural water research, Geographical Research, May 2016, 54(2):129–142




Box 3: Indigenous seasonal calendars 

Indigenous knowledge of the seasons is deeply localised 
and unique to each language group across Australia. 

Our collaboration with the Traditional Knowledge holders 
of the Gulumoerrgin-Larrakia, Gooniyandi and Ngan’gi 
Peoples on seasonal calendars32


 exemplifies how we 
implement the CSIRO ICIP Principles in practice.

Facilitated by Dr Emma Woodward, this collaborative 
effort translated Traditional Knowledge into a format that 
respects and preserves these Indigenous groups’ unique 
and highly localised knowledge. The seasonal calendars 
serve as vital tools for documenting and sharing their 
understanding of Country – showcasing a living testament 
to their heritage and enduring connection to the land. 

The Western 4-season calendar often falls short of 
capturing the intricate weather patterns and ecological 
relationships in Australia. The wisdom of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander people – Australia’s First Scientists – 
offers a more nuanced understanding.

These seasonal calendars are complex and detailed 
ecological maps, illuminating the intricate interplay of 
plants, animals, water, weather, fire and even the stars. 
This knowledge guides local communities on the seasonal 
availability of foods, animal breeding patterns, and the 
appropriate land and sea management practices at any 
given time. The co-creation of these seasonal calendars 
demonstrates the power of collaboration and the 
importance of ensuring respectful feedback is appropriately 
addressed throughout the process.

“It’s about respecting Indigenous Knowledge and 
ensuring it is preserved for future generations,” 
Dr Emma Woodward said.

32 Woodward, E.L. 2010, Creating the Ngan’gi Seasons Calendar: Reflections on Engaging, Indigenous Knowledge Authorities in Research, Learning Communities: 
International Journal of Learning in Social Contexts, Issue 2, 2010, Teaching from Country. Arakwal Seasonal Calendar. Accessed on 31 October 2024,
<https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/ncbltmsl/arakwal-seasonal-planning-calendar-2019-2.pdf>.



Arakwal



3.3.3An employer of choice for AboriginalStrait Islander graduates. We are also proud of the 
and Torres Strait Islander people

The CSIRO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment 
Strategy 2022–2024 promotes strength-based employment 
models that build capabilities through innovation and 
accountability. The strategy focuses on retaining Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander employees and fostering talent 
to ensure sustainable relationships and employment 
outcomes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees 
are represented across various disciplines and roles within 
CSIRO, including conducting research, general managementand enterprise services. 

In addition to the employment strategy, our Corporate Plan 
outlines performance measures aimed at promoting the 
recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people. Our Impossible Without Youcampaigndesignated 50 roles specifically for Aboriginal and Torres 

achievements of the CSIRO Indigenous Graduate Program33and the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarships.34

Figure 5 maps the various support career pathways available 
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at CSIRO, to 
create long-term, fulfilling employmentopportunities.

Indigenous staffing increased from 2017–18 to 2023–24, 
reflecting the impact of employment initiatives aimed at 
increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee 
retention.Figure 6 (page 28) shows an increase in 
Indigenous employee representation at CSIRO over this 
period, with a narrowing gap between actual performance 
and the 5 per cent target set in the CSIRO Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy 2022–2024. 
Specifically,Indigenous employee representation increasedfrom 1.84 per cent (116) in 2022–23 to 2.46 per cent (163) 
in 2023–24.

StudentUndergraduateSTEM University ScholarshipVocational PlacementResearch PlacementPostgraduateSTEM University ScholarshipPostgraduate InternshipPostgraduate ScholarshipStudy/employmentPretertiaryTraineeshipApprenticeshipEarly Career Pathways ProgramUndergraduatePaid Internship Placement ProgramCadetshipResearch Development Graduate Program (honours)
PostgraduateGraduate FellowshipEmploymentGraduatesEnterprise Services Graduate ProgramResearch Graduate ProgramHDR GraduatesCSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) FellowshipCareersIdentified rolesNonidentified rolesFigure 5: Career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people33Research Fellowship Indigenous Graduate Program Accessed 13 June 2024, <https://pd.csiro.au/2023/People/23-00143_TAL_BROCHURE_
IndigenousGraduateProgram-RF-IGP_WEB_230310.pdf>.
34CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship Accessed 13 June 2024, <https://scholarships.uow.edu.au/scholarships/search?scholarship=2262>.
27

However, we are currently unlikely to meet our aspirational 
Innovate RAP target of 5 per cent Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander employee representation by December 
2024. One of the key challenges has been resourcing 
and managing workflows, such as actively supporting 
Indigenous recruitment processes across a large 
organisation. This highlights the need for more robust 
design of employment strategies and planning. To meet 
future targets, we need to enhance recruitment processes 
and planning approaches across both our Research and 
Enterprise units. 

While we are proud of the progress made, we acknowledge 
that further efforts are needed to better align inputs with 
desired outcomes in our employment programs.

We have also not yet met Indigenous employment targets 
under the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander Workforce Strategy. A significant constraint in 
achieving these targets is the requirement for higher 
degrees, such as PhDs, or specific professional qualifications 
in many scientific research roles. This creates a challenge in 
building a deeper pool of Indigenous candidates for these 
roles, which is critical for strengthening the Indigenous 
STEM talent pipeline. For example, in 2022, 58 Indigenous 
people completed a PhD compared to approximately 
9,200 non‑Indigenous PhD graduates across Australia.35




Figure 6: CSIRO’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff representation by proportion and headcount from 2017–18 to 2023–24

We provide centralised holistic 360-degree support – 
physical, emotional and cultural – for Indigenous 
employees, their supervisors and teams to build cultural 
safety within our organisation. However, to retain 
Indigenous talent and continue progress in employment, 
further efforts are needed. Developing evidence-based 
strategies to enhance the Indigenous STEM talent pipeline 
is essential for future employment policy. 

In response to this challenge, we developed and launched 
the Indigenous Jobs Map in 2022. This tool leverages AI to 
match Indigenous science and knowledge holders with job 
opportunities, highlighting historical roles in the job market 
and the qualifications required. The online platform aims to 
inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, carers, 
teachers, advisors and workers about sectors, regions and 
qualifications sought by employers. It also helps employers 
understand how they can better align their job offerings 
with the Indigenous talent pool in their region and sector.36




We also established 12 Indigenous STEM scholarships at 
key Australian universities, providing financial assistance to 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and building 
a pipeline of Indigenous STEM talent for the nation. 
We invested $5.8 million to reduce financial pressures and 
enable students to focus on impactful research projects. 
The program enriches the scientific landscape with diverse 
perspectives, fosters self-determination, and prepares 
students for impactful STEM careers.

35 The Department of Education. Accessed on 26 June 2024,<https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-statistics/student-data>.
36 CSIRO’s Indigenous Jobs Map. Accessed on 24 June 2024, <https://indigenous-jobsmap.csiro.au/#/background>. 




3.3.4 Working with CSIRO’s 
business partners

We actively work with our business partners to strengthen 
Indigenous procurement and align our commercial 
relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
enterprises. The CSIRO Indigenous Procurement Strategy 
serves as a framework for fostering partnerships with 
Indigenous businesses and building organisational 
capability through investment in these relationships. 
This strategy was co-designed by Indigenous CSIRO team 
members, ensuring it reflects a culturally inclusive approach 
to procurement and aligns with our Reconciliation Action 
Plan deliverables.

Since July 2016, we have voluntarily adhered to the Federal 
Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP).37


 
Additionally, CSIRO is a member of Supply Nation, the 
leading directory of Indigenous businesses endorsed by 
the Australian Government.38


 We contribute to the annual 
IPP targets, which measure the number of Indigenous 
businesses awarded contracts and the overall volume and 
value of these contracts. We submit reports every 6 months 
to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources39












 
reflecting our progress. 

Our people are encouraged to consider Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander-owned businesses when procuring goods and 
services, ensuring adherence to our internal procurement 
procedures and the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, 
including the core principle of ‘value for money’.

Figure 7 outlines our performance in meeting IPP success 
measures, showcasing engagements with Indigenous 
suppliers and the number of contracts awarded to 
Indigenous businesses. 

In 2023–24, although the number of Indigenous suppliers 
engaged and the number of contracts awarded to Indigenous 
businesses decreased compared to 2022–23, the average 
value of contracts with Indigenous suppliers increased. 
Indigenous-owned enterprises were awarded contracts worth 
$19.47 million, up from $12.61 million in the previous year.

We remain committed to expanding opportunities for 
Indigenous participation through supplier diversity. 
While the increase in the average value of contracts is a 
positive development, there is a clear need for more targeted 
efforts within CSIRO to drive demand for Indigenous goods 
and services. We are working to ensure sustained growth 
in the number of contracts awarded to Indigenous‑owned 
businesses, supporting the long-term success and integration 
of Indigenous businesses in the supply chain.

Figure 7: Number of Indigenous suppliers engaged and number of Indigenous businesses awarded a contract, 2017–18 to 2023–24

*Values include contracts that were also reported on AusTender. **Information was not required for part or all of the FY

37 The Commonwealth Government IPP is intended to significantly increase the rate of purchasing from Indigenous businesses.
<https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/economic-development/indigenous-procurement-policy-ipp>.
38 Indigenous businesses are defined in the Commonwealth Procurement Rules to be small- to medium-sized enterprises with at least 50% 
Indigenous ownership.
39 While CSIRO is a Corporate Commonwealth Entity (CCE) and is not mandated to comply with the IPP, we contribute to annual targets through our reporting 
within the Industry and Science Portfolio. Information reported in each period includes: contracts under $10,000 (excluding those under $100); sub-contracts 
with Indigenous businesses; contracts with Indigenous businesses not registered with Supply Nation; direct contracts with an incorporated joint venture, 
where the joint venture is at least 25% Indigenous owned; purchases with Indigenous business made using a Commonwealth credit card.




3.4 Reputation in the research 
and development (R&D) sector

In this section, we explore the strength of our reputation 
in the R&D sector, particularly in relation to our 
collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
partners. We assess whether there is robust evidence of 
effective engagement with priorities that are important 
to Indigenous partners and communities. 

This analysis involves reviewing our research programs, 
evaluating Indigenous-related research investments and 
examining the scope of our engagements. Additionally, 
we identify gaps in our data collection processes that may 
hinder a full understanding of our impact and explore 
ways to address these gaps to ensure more meaningful, 
measurable outcomes. By doing so, we aim to ensure that 
our research aligns with the aspirations of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander communities.

3.4.1 Advancing priorities in 
Indigenous research

For research to be truly Indigenous-led, Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people must hold legitimate 
decision‑making authority across all phases of the process. 
This includes ownership and control over decision-making, 
resource allocation and the direction of the project, 
ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are integral to 
setting the research agenda, approaches, evaluation 
and solutions.

One of the key examples of this approach is the 
development of the Our Knowledge Our Way guidelines 
(Box 4). These guidelines, centred around best practices 
in caring for Country, exemplify the question: ‘Who 
decides what is best practice and how is it determined?’40


 
This initiative is a clear example of how Indigenous partners 
lead and influence research direction, ensuring that their 
knowledge and values are respected and implemented at 
every stage of the process.

This framework helps shift the traditional research 
paradigm, making it more inclusive and representative 
of Indigenous priorities. This ensures that the 
outcomes are aligned with the aspirations and needs 
of Indigenous communities.

Box 4: Our Knowledge Our Way in Caring 
for Country Best Practice Guidelines

The Our Knowledge Our Way guidelines exemplify 
Indigenous leadership in action, showcasing 
a successful Indigenous-led project based on 
transparency and inclusivity. These best practice 
guidelines amplify the voices of Indigenous land and 
sea managers who have developed effective methods 
for strengthening their knowledge systems and 
building partnerships to share knowledge in caring 
for Country.

The project was co-led by the North Australia 
Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance 
(NAILSMA) and us, with an Indigenous-majority project 
steering group established to ensure Indigenous 
leadership at every stage. The steering group issued 
a call for Indigenous people to submit case studies 
demonstrating best practices in incorporating 
Indigenous knowledge. The Our Knowledge Our 
Way guidelines are based on 23 peer-reviewed case 
studies, submitted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people and their representative bodies. 
Contributions from over 100 Indigenous individuals 
and organisations, including partners and co-authors, 
further enriched the project.

These guidelines highlight how Indigenous leadership 
and knowledge are central to successful land and sea 
management initiatives, providing a blueprint for 
future collaborations that honour Indigenous ways 
of knowing.

40 Woodward E, Hill R, Harkness P and Archer R (eds) (2020) ‘Our Knowledge Our Way in caring for Country: Indigenous led approaches to strengthening 
and sharing our knowledge for land and sea management. Best practice guidelines from Australian experiences’, NAILSMA and CSIRO, Cairns, Australia. 
Accessed on 14 May 2024, <csiro.au/en/research/indigenous-science/ indigenous-knowledge/our-knowledge-our-way>. These Guidelines are a key output 
from a project of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program, Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub, titled Knowledge 
Brokering for Indigenous Land Management.




To foster holistic change and deliver meaningful outcomes, 
it is critical to collect real data from Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people that goes beyond impact case 
studies. Currently, we lack systematic data collection 
processes that would allow us to fully understand how 
our research investments impact Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander communities. Gathering this data could 
provide valuable insights into tangible and intangible 
benefits associated with project delivery and enable a more 
comprehensive evaluation of our investment outcomes with 
Indigenous partners.

Much of our success and reputation hinge on how well 
we manage and deliver project outputs. The success of 
these projects is often measured within the parameters 
of approved business case frameworks, including time, 
cost, scope, quality, risk and benefits.41


 Since 2017–18, 
CSIRO has overseen approximately 220 projects related 
to Indigenous‑related research.

Figure 8 shows that from 2017–18 to 2023–24, the total 
value of Indigenous-related research conducted by us 
amounted to $178.63 million. Over this period, the average 
annual project expenditure increased from approximately 
$232,500 in 2020–21 to $477,000 in 2023–24.

Despite our strong track record in project delivery, there is 
variability in the maturity of project management practices 
across our Research Units, particularly in their engagement 
with Indigenous partners. A key area identified for 
improvement is the incorporation of business realisation 
management approaches in our project management 
practices. This involves strengthening the way we negotiate 
and define project benefits and outcomes during the 
initial planning for research projects in partnership with 
Indigenous stakeholders. By focusing on this, we can better 
align project goals with long-term, meaningful benefits for 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring 
our research delivers lasting impacts.

Figure 8: CSIRO annual total investment in Indigenous research projects

41 At a detailed project level, the expenditure associated with each research project can be an indicator of the maturity and scale of a project and its impact 
across CSIRO. We use our corporate project finance and audit reporting IT platform (‘Opportunity to Deliver’ (O2D)) to validate and capture accurate data on 
all Indigenous-related research projects. CSIRO manages more than 5,000 research projects and assigns ‘tags’ to classify Indigenous-related research within 
the O2D IT platform. CSIRO managed 80 Indigenous research projects with a total investment of $38.16 million in 2023–24.




3.4.2 CSIRO’s publications involving 
Indigenous engagement

Since 2021, we have been using our internal review and 
approval system, ePublish, to tag publications42




 involving 
Indigenous engagement with a specific identifier. 
ePublish not only manages the quality, IP and sensitivities 
of publications but also tracks the extent of Indigenous 
engagement in our research outputs. 

To date, approximately 3 per cent of CSIRO’s 
publications – 331 in total – have been tagged as involving 
Indigenous engagement or arising from projects with 
Indigenous engagement. 

Table 5 provides a breakdown of the types of engagement 
identified in the 3 per cent of research publications tagged 
in ePublish as involving Indigenous engagement.

CSIRO has a greater proportion of Indigenous research 
publications in Plant & Animal Science and Environmental 
Science, compared to the broader landscape of Indigenous 
research, which is predominantly published in Social 
Sciences, Clinical Medicine and Psychology/Psychiatry.43




ePublish also helps classify CSIRO’s publications by their 
academic, technological and policy impacts.44




 The academic 
impact of CSIRO’s Indigenous research is in line with the 
national average, with a Normalised Citation Impact of 
0.84 compared to Australia’s 0.94.45


 The technological 
impact46


 is relatively low, with only 42 references to more 
than 12,000 publications over 10 years. However, CSIRO’s 
Indigenous research has the highest policy impact rate 
among the 65 largest research institutions in Australia, 
with nearly 200 references to 103 publications produced 
over the last decade.47


 

Table 5: Types of Indigenous engagement for CSIRO’s research 
publications (tagged in ePublish since July 2021)

TYPE OF ENGAGEMENT

% OF ENGAGEMENT 
OF THIS TYPE^

Research engages with Indigenous 
communities or people

45.9%

Research team includes Aboriginal 
or Torres Strait Islander people

37.2%

Research team includes Aboriginal 
or Torres Strait Islander organisations

21.8%

Permission to share knowledge/ICIP

21.50

Research includes Indigenous knowledge 
or ICIP

19.6%

Research includes non-authorial 
contributions from Indigenous people

19.3%

Research was Indigenous-led

16.9%





^A publication tagged as involving Indigenous engagement may fall into 
one or more of these subcategories. 

3.4.3 Recognising and protecting 
intellectual property with 
Indigenous collaborators

Our ICIP Principles guide how we develop, implement and 
maintain collaboration agreements with Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander partners to protect ICIP. 

IP commonly developed through our research with 
Indigenous collaborators includes reports, images and 
other copyright-protected materials. These forms of IP are 
automatically protected under Australian Copyright laws 
and do not require registration. 

42 The type of publications, which are entered into ePublish are: Journal articles, Books and book chapters, Conference abstracts, posters, presentations and 
papers, Client and technical reports and report chapters, Standards, online media, fact sheets and encyclopedia entries.
43 These publications were identified by searching the metadata recorded on the Web of Science using a specific search strategy to look at their titles, keywords 
and abstracts. Unlike ePublish, Web of Science focuses primarily on journal content and contains no reports.
44 In ePublish, academic, technological and policy classifications for impact relate to the number of references to CSIRO publications. Academic impact: number 
of references to the publications from scientific literature. Technological impact: number of references to the publications from patents. Policy impact: 
number of references to the publications from government and supranational agency policy documents.
45 Noting, that a low sample size reduces the accuracy of this result.
46 Technological impact is measured by counting patent references.
47 The average of 1.9 policy references per publication is the highest rate of the 65 largest institutions in Australia that were included in the analysis.




Since 2019, CSIRO’s IP team has included a notification 
process in its IP disclosure system,48


 requesting researchers 
to report any potentially registrable IP that incorporates 
Indigenous Knowledge or involves inventors of Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander heritage. However, results so far 
have been limited as IP related to Indigenous collaborations 
is often disclosed near the end of projects. 

Currently, research partnerships between CSIRO and 
Indigenous collaborators have not yet generated significant 
registerable project IP captured in CSIRO’s IP disclosure 
reports. As these collaborations continue to evolve, we 
expect an increase in registered IP reported arising from 
joint projects,49


 creating more opportunities to develop 
registerable project IP into products and services protected 
by IP rights, benefiting Indigenous businesses.

3.4.4 Our responsibilities for human 
research ethics with Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people

Ensuring research is conducted ethically and with the 
highest standards of integrity is essential for CSIRO to 
maintain community trust in our science and uphold our 
social licence to operate. Our governance framework aligns 
with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of 
Research 2018, and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct 
in Human Research 2023 (National Statement), and considers 
the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
Studies (AIATSIS) Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander Research. These codes guide us in ensuring 
our research activities have a positive impact and help us 
responsibly manage and minimise potential risks or harm. 

In accordance with the National Statement, all CSIRO 
research involving human participants, communities, or 
their data or tissue must undergo independent ethical 
review by a human research ethics committee. These 
committees include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
researchers and community Elders to ensure Indigenous 
rights and perspectives are appropriately considered and 
addressed in the research. 

In 2023, CSIRO’s human research ethics committees 
reviewed 37 projects involving or of particular significance 
to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There has 
been a noticeable shift in recent years from research that 
engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
and communities to research that is driven and led by those 
communities. This change reflects our growing capacity to 
conduct Indigenous-led research and our commitment to 
working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 
a respectful and culturally safe manner, fostering two‑way 
learning, relationship building and benefit sharing. 
We continue to monitor and report on our performance 
in this area through both internal and external reports.

3.5 Impact delivered

This section examines how our research outcomes and 
science engagement activities contribute to meaningful and 
appropriate impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
people, specifically through the innovation ecosystem.

3.5.1 Delivering successful impact for 
Indigenous partners 

We are committed to consistently empowering Indigenous 
project partners to set the research agenda, approach, 
assessment, evaluation and solutions at every project 
phase. This involves ensuring research is informed by 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities, perspectives, 
values and voices,50


 as well as recognising the inherent 
rights governing land, sea and water.51




For instance, when addressing complex environmental 
management challenges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander communities have sought to leverage innovative 
technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence (AI). 
However, these tools must be co-designed with Traditional 
Owners to ensure they benefit those communities. 

Box 5 illustrates how CSIRO’s Healthy Country AI and Digital 
program is empowering Indigenous rangers to manage 
their lands adaptively using digital technology.

48 CSIRO’s Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) contains a data field used to record potential IP registration of the use of Indigenous knowledge and if any inventors 
have Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
49 It is noted that the IP reported is dependent on the terms and conditions of the collaboration. So for instance, if the collaboratively developed IP is assigned 
to the Indigenous knowledge holder and is ultimately not CSIRO’s property, we do not have the right to seek protection. CSIRO and Indigenous partnerships 
can result in co-ownership of collaboratively developed project IP, generation of registrable IP and collaborative commercialisation models.
50 Robinson, C.J, et.al. (2022); AIATSIS (2020); NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) 2018, National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human 
Research, National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) – Updated 2018 | NHMRC.
51 United Nations 2008, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), United Nations: Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 
(Accessed 23 May 2024). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD).




Box 5: Healthy Country AI and Digital program delivers on the ground benefits52




Since 2019, the Healthy Country AI and Digital program 
has empowered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
communities to tackle environmental challenges. 
Co‑developed with Traditional Owners, this world-first 
initiative has received several awards. It aims to survey 
species and habitats of cultural and ecological significance 
to Indigenous people. Ranger groups have been supported 
to gain skills in data collection and analysis to monitor 
changes to their lands.

Beginning in early 2022, Indigenous women rangers 
have participated in the Healthy Country AI and Digital 
program, co‑designing and completing digital training 
modules focused on using technologies such as camera 
traps and drones. Participants earn digital badges for their 
achievements, which are co-verified by senior cultural 
and technical authorities and awarded through Charles 
Darwin University. These badges serve as an online 
record of their assessments and achievements, which 
participants can share on social media and personal or 
professional websites. 

The program has enabled a network of digital women 
rangers across the participating communities, reflecting 
their unique needs and experiences. It not only facilitates 
a culturally safe approach to collecting, using and sharing 
data for decision-making about caring for Country, but 
also enhances the self-confidence of women rangers 
while reinforcing their commitment to family and 
cultural responsibilities.53




While the program continues to expand, it remains 
committed to its core principles regarding ethical data 
collection and analysis. This ensures its efforts:

• are governed by Traditional Owners
• reflect the priority concerns for local Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander communities
• support on-ground adaptive management initiatives.


By integrating ethical AI with Indigenous Knowledge, the 
program delivers practical solutions for conserving vital 
ecosystems on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands, 
such as protecting turtle nests, combating invasive weeds 
or tracking herd populations. These solutions directly 
benefit Indigenous rangers and on-Country enterprises.

Indigenous women rangers are supported to 
learn and apply digital skills to support their 
efforts to repair the health of their Country.

52 Robinson, C.J, et.al. (2022); Further information is available at <https://healthycountryai.org/>.
53 Digital Women Ranger Program: Learning digital skills to care for Country together. Accessed 10 April 2024, <https://healthycountryai.org/files/
DigitalWomenRangersProgram.pdf>; Indigenous women rangers earn responsible digital tech credentials, Accessed on 10 April 2024,
<https://research.csiro.au/ri/indigenous-women-rangers-earn-responsible-digital-tech-credentials/>.




Box 6 highlights another example of how we are 
collaborating with Indigenous communities in Torres Strait 
and Pacific regions to safeguard human health and promote 
sustainable economic activity.

Our scientific research and management of national 
research facilities have strong, direct connections with 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners. Initiatives 
such as the establishment of Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, 
our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on Wajarri 
Country, serve as a model for future collaboration and 
remote application of CSIRO programs (see Box 7).

Box 6: Biological Control of 
Mosquito‑Borne Diseases

The Indigenous Peoples of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) 
have lived in the interconnected network of islands 
between Australia and Papua New Guinea for over 
50,000 years.

Zenadth Kes forms a key biosecurity border zone where 
diseases, invasive plants and various pests pose a threat 
to local communities and the Australian mainland. 

CSIRO, alongside strategic partners, facilitated initial 
community engagement following Free, Prior and 
Informed Consent (FPIC) guidelines. CSIRO examined 
and presented a short list of known mosquito 
interventions to Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres 
Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK), the peak body 
representing all Registered Native Title Body Corporates 
across the Torres and Endeavour Straits, which 
advocates for the collective interests of the region’s 
Traditional Owners and provides input into policy and 
program development. 

The project aims to safeguard human health and 
promote economic activity by:

• enhancing the safety and wellbeing of Torres Strait 
and Pacific region communities, reducing the burden 
on hospitals and healthcare systems
• reducing reliance on insecticides for more 
sustainable pest control with lower environmental 
impacts
• limiting the spread of mosquito-borne infectious 
diseases to Australia
• developing solutions for managing agricultural pests 
in Australia, such as fall armyworm, Mediterranean 
fruit fly, diamondback moth, Queensland fruit fly, 
buffalo fly and ticks.


Box 7: Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our 
Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 
Australia’s first astronomers, with a long-standing 
knowledge of the sky passed down through 
generations. The Wajarri Yamaji in Western Australia 
have negotiated an Indigenous Land Use Agreement 
(ILUA) with the Australian and Western Australian 
governments together with CSIRO. The ILUA enables 
radio astronomy on Wajarri Country, including hosting 
the international SKA Observatory (SKAO)’s SKA-Low 
telescope, currently under construction.

The first outcome from the ILUA was the new dual 
name for the site: Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the 
CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. 
Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara means ‘sharing sky and 
stars’ in the Wajarri language. It represents the Wajarri 
Yamaji’s deep connection to the sky and Country 
while sharing it with the global astronomy community 
through the world-leading instruments on site, 
including the SKA-Low telescope as well as our ASKAP 
radio telescope.

Wajarri partnership in the observatory has ensured 
opportunities are available for community, including 
new SKA-Low telescope field technician roles with 
the SKAO and CSIRO. The roles were co-designed and 
delivered with the Wajarri community and Central 
Regional TAFE in Geraldton, Western Australia. 
The skills developed through the new field technician 
roles will provide long‑term benefits, with applications 
in industries such as telecommunications and mining.

Two completed stations of the international SKA 
Observatory’s SKA-Low telescope on Wajarri Country 
at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison 
Radio‑astronomy Observatory. Credit: SKAO.



Ron Poantimilui holds up farmed tiger prawns in Vietnam 
as part of a collaboration with the Tiwi Island community 
to launch a pilot project for a tiger prawn industry.



4 Sharing our lessons learned

Key messages

• We are committed to applying what we’ve learned 
by identifying opportunities to strengthen the 
reconciliation process. Part of this involves assessing 
how our current approaches are accountable, 
culturally safe and responsive to the needs of 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Many of the ideas, governance models and practices 
that support Indigenous science engagement already 
exist within CSIRO. However, these good practices 
need to be strengthened, more widely implemented 
and sustained in a standardised manner. 
We acknowledge that the level of maturity and 
experience in engaging with Indigenous partners 
varies across our business areas.


In this section, we provide a historical perspective of 
our journey towards reconciliation. Using a thematic 
approach, we highlight our progress in addressing 
gaps in our systems, people strategies and processes to 
demonstrate the lessons we’ve learned and identify areas 
for future improvement.

4.1 Our journey 
towards reconciliation

Since 2007, we have implemented initiatives to foster 
employment, education, cultural awareness and 
investment in both existing research and new research 
frameworks, ensuring benefits are co-created and shared 
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 
Through our 2007 Indigenous Engagement Strategy, we 
aimed to increase Indigenous participation in our research 
and development activities. 

Over time, we have introduced programs such as the 
Indigenous Cadetship and Indigenous Traineeship, 
which began in 2012. These programs, along with our 
ever‑evolving Indigenous employment strategies, have been 
designed to enable meaningful and sustainable change in 
recruitment and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander employees. 

Our governance structure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander engagement has also evolved to streamline 
communication and clarify responsibilities. In 2018, we 
appointed an Executive Manager to lead the Indigenous 
Engagement program, followed by the appointment of an 
Indigenous Science Program Director in 2021. 

In 2021, the team launched workshops to build cultural 
capability across the organisation, developed a webpage 
dedicated to Indigenous science and engagement, and 
established the Indigenous Science and Engagement 
Program (ISEP) to deliver a strategic, organisation-wide 
approach to partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander communities and organisations. In 2023–24, the 
team produced ICIP Principles for CSIRO.

4.2 Creating a workplace where 
staff are respected and celebrated

Our approach to Indigenous employment is centred on 
providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people to learn and develop along a meaningful 
career pathway, with the flexibility to pursue external work 
experience and education. Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander employment is a collective responsibility, and 
we are committed to fostering sustainable employment 
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
across all levels of the organisation. 

Our functional areas are equipped with a range of tools 
to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment 
capacity, focusing on areas where they can make the most 
impact. Our Research and Enterprise units are provided 
with metrics throughout the lifecycle of engagement with 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment to ensure 
tailored strategies can be developed to address specific 
employment gaps.

While we offer various resources to enable sustainable 
career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
employees, we recognise the need to invest further 
in recruitment processes and workforce planning to 
strengthen the employment pipeline.

The following case study highlights the experiences of 
several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members.



Box 8: Career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Indigenous Traineeship 
Program: Isaak Kadel

Isaak Kadel is a proud Torres 
Strait Islander man hailing 
from the Semsep tribe of 
Erub (Darnley) Island. 

He started his career at CSIRO in 2014 
through our traineeship program. 
Isaak honed his laboratory skills 
at TAFE while gaining hands-on 
experience working alongside CSIRO 
researchers. After completing the 
program in 2015, he transitioned 
to a research assistant role.

Isaak now works in aquaculture, 
conducting experiments and 
collecting data to improve the 
industry’s sustainability, efficiency 
and cost-effectiveness. He focuses 
on finding practical solutions to 
challenges facing aquaculture. 

“The traineeship program provided 
me with an opportunity to start 
a career in CSIRO that I wouldn’t 
otherwise have known was 
available,” Isaak reflected. 

“Working with people who have 
years of experience and seeing 
where other Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander staff have taken 
their career within CSIRO gives 
me confidence in taking on new 
challenges and opportunities to 
grow,” he said. 

Indigenous Cadetship 
Program: Zane Court

Zane Court, a proud descendant 
of the Gunggandji People of 
Yarrabah Mission, near Cairns, 
grew up in Goomeri, Queensland. 

Zane is a Research Technician in 
our Collaborative and Adaptive 
Futures team, where he helps bring 
Indigenous Knowledge to the fore 
in his science. He started with CSIRO 
in 2021 through the Indigenous 
Cadetship Program.

Zane completed his Bachelor of 
Environmental Practice at the James 
Cook University, majoring in land and 
water management, and biodiversity 
conservation and management. 

“Through co-designed projects led 
by Traditional Owner Groups during 
my cadetship, I gained insights 
into the vital interplay between 
Indigenous knowledge systems 
and scientific practices, enriching 
Western science’s capacity to 
effectively steward the multifaceted 
environments across Australia, 
while also emphasising the 
significance of caring for Country,” 
said Zane.

Ethan Towns: Bringing 
Indigenous perspectives 
to science

Ethan Towns, a Kamilaroi man, 
first encountered CSIRO at age 
15 through work experience at 
our Myall Vale site near Narrabri, 
New South Wales. 

Ethan then participated in the 
Indigenous Cadetship Program where 
his passion for entomology grew as he 
worked on classifying over 100 insects. 
Now completing a PhD in Entomology 
at the University of New England, 
Ethan also works as a Research 
Assistant at CSIRO.

Ethan’s Kamilaroi identity is a very 
important part of his life, and he was 
guided by many influential Aboriginal 
role models, including his mentor 
at CSIRO Norman Winters. Ethan is 
particularly interested in enriching his 
research by incorporating Indigenous 
knowledge and perspectives.

“It placed me ahead of my peers 
before I started uni because I had 
already been exposed to dissecting 
insects and writing papers. As part 
of my cadetship, I also got to teach 
the summer students that were 
working at our site. It was a great 
feeling being able to share the skills 
and knowledge I had gained from 
my own experience with the next 
generation,” said Ethan.



Kyah Chewying’s journey in science

Kyah Chewying, a Walbunja woman from Yuin Country, developed a passion for science through her father’s 
dedication to marine life conservation.

In 2018, she gained insight into a science career during 
work experience with CSIRO’s Cotton Fibre Quality team.

Kyah then pursued a Bachelor of Science (Applied Ecology 
and Sustainability) at the University of Canberra, and in 
2020 she, gained practical experience working alongside 
scientists through the CSIRO Cadetship Program.

After graduating in 2023, Kyah completed her Honours in 
Marine Science. During this time, she participated in the 
CSIRO Indigenous Graduate Program, which enabled her 
to study full-time while working at CSIRO one day a week.

Kyah then transitioned to a full-time research 
technician role focused on Sea Country restoration 
with Traditional Owners.

Kyah is now a PhD student at the University of Wollongong, 
delving deeper into the realm of marine ecosystems. 
Through the CSIRO Indigenous Fellowship Program, she 
continues her work at CSIRO, dedicating one day a week 
to this important initiative.

“I believe that inviting new voices to the table is 
essential and long overdue. I’m committed to making 
that happen by showcasing the positive impact of 
Indigenous Peoples’ learnings, skills, knowledge, 
and understanding of modern science,” Kyah said.

Walbunja woman and research technician Kyah Chewying on a fieldwork trip at Batemans Bay collecting seagrass during 
her cadetship.



4.3 Strengthening our 
understanding of Indigenous 
knowledge and science

The CSIRO Indigenous Knowledge and Science 
Cross‑Cutting Capability (IK&S CCC) connects and enhances 
science outcomes across our research projects and 
initiatives. By engaging with various science program 
areas, the IK&S CCC strengthens collaboration through 
presentations to leadership teams and hosting Community 
of Practice events. The outcomes of these activities are 
shared with the Indigenous Science and Engagement team 
to align with its organisational objectives. 

Box 9 provides an overview of the IK&S CCC.

Box 9: Indigenous Knowledge and 
Science Cross-Cutting Capability

Launched in February 2022, the IK&S CCC is led by 
Dr Cass Hunter, a Kuku Yalanji and Maluiligal woman 
and Indigenous System Researcher with CSIRO based 
in Cairns.

The IK&S CCC serves as a platform for generating 
creative ideas and fostering shared learning to 
strengthen culturally respectful approaches when 
partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
people. It is designed to be inclusive, purposeful 
and active, enabling peer-to-peer learning, building 
connections and addressing complex and often 
misunderstood topics.

Cass began her career at CSIRO as an Indigenous cadet 
in 1998. She has over 20 years of experience leading 
participatory action research, co-designing with 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, 
knowledge translation and best-practice design. Cass 
has seen our organisation grow in its commitment to 
culturally respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander people. 

4.4 Nurturing opportunities 
for Indigenous-led science

The CSIRO Indigenous Research Grants Program, launched 
in 2023, fosters collaborative partnerships based on 
science priorities identified by Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander people, communities and organisations. 
These partnerships range across small-, medium-, and 
large-scale multidisciplinary projects.

The program promotes two-way learning, strengthening 
Indigenous scientific capability while contributing to 
solutions for national challenges. It is guided by a research 
paradigm that reflects the cultural, social, environmental 
and economic priorities identified by Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait islander people and communities, advancing 
Indigenous science and capability and reinforcing 
self‑determination (see Box 10). 

Box 10: CSIRO Indigenous Research 
Grants Program54




In its first year, the Indigenous Research Grants 
Program completed 3 grant rounds, approving over 
30 applications and allocating $6 million in funding. 

An independent review conducted in 2023 found 
that the program exemplifies best practice for grants 
where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
are integral as participants and business partners. 
The review highlighted the program’s potential for 
far‑reaching positive impacts on Indigenous science 
and engagements with CSIRO.

All aspects of the program are Indigenous-led, from 
design and implementation to assessment and 
ongoing management.

54 The Indigenous Research Grants Program is designed to address priorities raised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to support Indigenous 
science while simultaneously building the capability of Indigenous researchers. The Indigenous Research Grants are an initiative of the Indigenous Science 
and Engagement Program (ISEP). Accessed on 31 May 2024, <https://confluence.csiro.au/display/IRGP/Indigenous+Research+Grant+Program>.




5 Concluding remarks

This inaugural report on Indigenous collaboration and 
partnerships marks the beginning of how we measure and 
report on our progress in transforming our ways of working 
to align with Indigenous-led priorities and aspirations. 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have 
extraordinary and diverse contributions to make across 
cultural, socio-economic and scientific domains. This report 
highlights our commitment to recognising and amplifying 
these contributions.

Our targeted strategies aim to connect with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander partners and deliver meaningful 
economic, environmental and social impacts through 
innovation. We are dedicated to collaborating with 
Australia’s First Scientists to develop innovative, sustainable 
and holistic solutions that address our nation’s greatest 
challenges and create a better future for all.

CSIRO continues to evolve by partnering with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people. These partnerships guide 
us in using reconciliation as a lens to reflect on our core 
business, sphere of influence, workforce, relationships 
and the broader impact of our scientific research. Our 
experience shows that by listening to and learning from 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and prioritising 
their needs, we can generate large-scale, lasting impacts. 

Our commitment to reconciliation also calls for a deeper 
understanding of our role as Australia’s national science 
agency, transforming the way we work with Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander partners. We recognise the significant 
potential of these efforts to benefit all Australians. 

Self assessment of our performance helps us evaluate 
the readiness and capability of our people, client focus, 
processes, data and technology. This forward-thinking 
approach encourages us to apply our technical expertise 
to solve internal challenges, improve governance 
and enhance transparency in how we drive change. 
Respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander partners ensure mutual benefits for Indigenous 
organisations and communities and CSIRO. 

As we continue to deliver the benefits of our science and 
engagement programs, our commitment to collaboration 
remains strong. We are determined to be a model of 
sustainable culture and practice, befitting a world-class 
research organisation working together with Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander people to advance outcomes 
through innovative science and technology.



As Australia’s national science agency, 
CSIRO is solving the greatest 
challenges through innovative 
science and technology.

CSIRO. Creating a better future 
for everyone.

Contact us

1300 363 400
+61 3 9545 2176
csiro.au/contact
csiro.au