80. The representative of Australia said that, as a mega-diverse country with a unique indigenous culture, his delegation had a strong interest in a balance between holders and users of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Australia had signed the Nagoya Protocol on 20 January 2012, and was currently undertaking internal processes to consider its ratification. Australia had already implemented an access and benefit-sharing system in relation to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, consistent with its obligations under the CBD. His delegation considered that the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD were consistent and could be and were implemented in a mutually supportive manner, but was willing to consider appropriate solutions to address misappropriation of genetic resources and erroneously granted patents. Australia had strong interest in the issue and welcomed the significant progress made at the 20th session of the IGC, which had focused on IP and genetic resources and had developed a single negotiating text in accordance with its mandate. Australia would continue its active and constructive engagement in the IGC, which was best placed to consider that complex IP issue.
