University of New South Wales launches new Indigenous Strategy

Jackson Clark Published September 28, 2026 at 12.00am (AWST)

education

UNSW has launched a new Indigenous Strategy focused on strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, participation and decision-making across the university. (Image: University of New South Wales)

The University of New South Wales has launched a new Indigenous strategy aimed at increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and decision-making across the university.

The Indigenous Strategy 2026-2028 aims to guide the university's approach to education, research, employment, governance and community engagement over the next three years.

A key part of the strategy will be the development of the UNSW Micro-Treaty, which is being co-designed with the university's Indigenous Representative Council and local Indigenous communities.

The agreement is intended to give Indigenous communities a greater role in decision-making and in shaping UNSW's commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, Professor Leanne Holt said the strategy was focused on creating lasting change within 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," Professor Holt said.

The strategy includes a focus on improving Indigenous student participation, success and belonging, while also increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within the university workforce.

UNSW will also aim to strengthen Indigenous leadership within governance and planning, expand Indigenous research opportunities and build longer-term partnerships with Indigenous communities, organisations and businesses.

*Panelists at the launch of UNSW Sydney's Indigenous Strategy 2026-2028. Image: Richard Freeman (UNSW).*

Furthermore, the university has committed to greater protection of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property through its Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocol.

The protocol will guide staff working with Indigenous communities and help ensure cultural knowledge is appropriately recognised and protected across teaching, research and university operations.

The broader strategy will operate alongside the UNSW Indigenous Research Plan 2026-2029 and Indigenous Workforce Plan 2025-2028.

The research plan focuses on Indigenous-led and community-guided research, including Indigenous data sovereignty, cultural and intellectual property protections and pathways for Indigenous researchers and higher degree students.

The workforce plan includes targeted recruitment, career development, leadership opportunities, anti-racism initiatives and cultural responsiveness training.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said Indigenous leadership would be central to the university's future direction.

"Indigenous contributions are fundamental to UNSW's integrity, excellence and impact," Professor 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."

Professor Holt added the success of the strategy would depend on more than the commitments outlined in the document.

"Real progress require... relationships, shared responsibility and a willingness to change how decisions are made and how the University operates," she 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."