We are pleased to report on the inaugural HTLV-1 symposium at the 2017 Australasian HIV and AIDS Conference joint with 2017 Australasian Sexual Health Conference in Canberra, Australia. Our understanding of HTLV-1 epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnostics and treatment options for HTLV-1 diseases has advanced tremendously over the last 40 years. However, the awareness of healthcare providers and the general population about HTLV-1, and the effective promotion and implementation of HTLV-1 transmission-prevention strategies, lag behind current knowledge. Here we present a summary of the symposium, plenary and poster presentations on HTLV-1.