WA Biodiscovery Bill - Why do you need to know about it?
People drafting the bill want you to have control of IF and and HOW your traditional knowledge about native plants and animals are used by researchers.
Right now, there is no law in WA to protect this used in activities, or products being developed that make money for others.
A main aim for the Bill is to make sure there is agreement for traditional knowledge to be used BEFORE research starts. People working on the Bill need you to guide them on the best way possible for this to happen.
Some questions include –
How can researchers find out if there are multiple knowledge holders who hold the same knowledge?
If the knowledge held across a region or multiple regions, and not just held by a family or individual, how can researchers find this out?
How do you think any discussions or agreements to discover knowledge be held?
How do you think disagreements could be settled if multiple knowledge custodians have different views about sharing the knowledge?
If knowledge also comes from outside WA, should those knowledge holders and groups also have a say in IF the research takes place?
The project team working on this bill is from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
They are eager to get your advice on what is important to know to protect your knowledge by -
Having one on one chats or phone calls
Meet with small groups online
Meet in person where possible
Connecting with Elders or groups.
To contact the team
Telephone: 61 8 6277 3050
Email: biodiscovery@jtsi.wa.gov.au
