The Strategy sets out a university-wide framework to strengthen participation and leadership, supported by new plans for Indigenous research and workforce development.
UNSW Sydney has launched its Indigenous Strategy 2026-2028, reaffirming its commitment to Indigenous self-determination, excellence and societal impact.
The strategy places Indigenous-led decision-making at the centre of UNSW's purpose and sets a clear direction for strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and agency across education, research, employment, governance and community engagement.
Launched at an event on Wednesday, the strategy establishes a vision for a university where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people thrive as students, staff, researchers and leaders, and where Indigenous knowledges inform all aspects of UNSW's work.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the strategy reflected a shared responsibility across the University.
"Indigenous contributions are fundamental to UNSW's integrity, excellence and impact," Prof. Brungs said.
"Our Indigenous Strategy provides a clear framework for action and accountability across the whole University. It recognises that Indigenous leadership, knowledges and perspectives must help shape how UNSW makes decisions, educates, undertakes research and engages with communities."
Developing the UNSW Micro-Treaty
A central commitment of the strategy is the development and implementation of the UNSW Micro-Treaty.
The micro-treaty is being co-designed with the Indigenous Representative Council and local Indigenous communities. It will strengthen shared decision-making and ensure Indigenous communities have a meaningful role in determining UNSW's commitments and contribution to Indigenous societal impact.
Through the strategy, UNSW will strengthen Indigenous participation and agency across the University by:
embedding Indigenous leadership and decision-making in governance and institutional planning
strengthening Indigenous student success, participation and belonging
supporting an empowered and representative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce
centring Indigenous knowledges across disciplines and educational practice
elevating Indigenous research excellence and societal impact
building respectful, enduring partnerships with Indigenous communities, organisations and businesses.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, Professor Leanne Holt, said the Strategy would support meaningful and enduring change across the University.
"It is about creating a university where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can thrive, lead and shape the future of UNSW, while ensuring Indigenous knowledges and voices are recognised, valued and protected," Prof. Holt said.
The strategy also includes a commitment to safeguarding Indigenous cultural and intellectual property (ICIP) through stronger staff understanding, confidence and application of appropriate protocols.
UNSW's ICIP Protocol will support respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities and the creation of ethically grounded resources for teaching, research and operational practice.
Complementary plans
The strategy is supported by two complementary plans. The UNSW Indigenous Research Plan 2026-2029 establishes a framework for research that is ethical, respectful, reciprocal and guided by Indigenous authority. It will strengthen Indigenous research governance, community partnerships, protection of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, Indigenous data sovereignty and pathways for Indigenous researchers and Higher Degree Research candidates.
The UNSW Indigenous Workforce Plan 2025-2028 focuses on creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation across all levels of the University.
It includes commitments to targeted recruitment and career pathways, leadership development, cultural responsiveness training, anti-racism initiatives and transparent monitoring of progress.
Together, the Indigenous Strategy, Indigenous Research Plan and Indigenous Workforce Plan provide an integrated framework for action across UNSW.
Their implementation will be supported by clear responsibilities, action plans, performance indicators and regular reporting. The Indigenous Strategy recognises that meaningful progress requires sustained leadership, cultural responsibility, investment and accountability across the whole University.
Professor Holt said the launch represented an important next step in UNSW's ongoing commitment to Indigenous excellence and partnership.
"Real progress requires more than statements of intent. It requires relationships, shared responsibility and a willingness to change how decisions are made and how the University operates," Prof. Holt said.
"This strategy gives UNSW a strong foundation for that work and a clear ambition for the future: a university shaped by Indigenous leadership, strengthened by Indigenous knowledges and committed to lasting societal impact."
