This framework has been developed to guide ethical, inclusive and culturally grounded data practices across the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Indigenous Research Data Commons (HASS and Indigenous RDC). It responds to long-standing calls from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for greater control over data that affects their lives, lands, cultures and futures. The framework is the result of extensive consultation, co-design and collaboration with Indigenous data custodians, researchers, institutions and policymakers. It is intended to be adopted across all HASS and Indigenous RDC activities.

The framework affirms that Indigenous data governance is essential to Indigenous self-determination. It defines Indigenous data as information generated by, about, or for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, encompassing cultural, ecological, linguistic, genealogical and community-generated knowledge. The framework recognises that all data, whether held by governments, institutions or communities, has implications for Indigenous peoples and must be governed in ways that respect Indigenous rights, laws and relational worldviews.

The framework is structured around three interrelated components: a governance model, a set of governance guidelines, and a monitoring and accountability structure.