There is much concern amongst writers, readers, publishers and booksellers in Australia at the moment due to the Government's Productivity Commission recommendation that Territorial copyright established under the Copyright Act in 1991 be abolished.
What does this mean?
"As a direct result of the introduction of the 30/90-day rule in 1991, Australian publishing has grown into a strong and vibrant industry — and it keeps growing.
This vibrant market allows publishers to make long-term investments in authors — to identify them, foster their development, publish their books and promote them individually. In the last 17 years, Australia has produced a number of world-class authors as a direct result of this certainty in investment by publishers, and the knowledge by authors that if their books are successful they will receive appropriate royalties.
Australian books are the last bastion of our unique culture — our books have Australian language, spelling and illustrations. This is particularly important in children’s book publishing — who wants to read about mom, sidewalks, diapers or dialing 911 instead of 000 for emergencies?
As one of the largest English speaking book markets in the world, we need territorial copyright in order to play on a level field with the big two (US and UK). Without territorial copyright we will wither.
There is no reason to give this industry away, and not a single benefit from doing so. The Australian publishing industry is an employer, and exporter and a key protector of our culture – at a time when the economy is tightening, the industry is united in its efforts to keep Australian books."
This vibrant market allows publishers to make long-term investments in authors — to identify them, foster their development, publish their books and promote them individually. In the last 17 years, Australia has produced a number of world-class authors as a direct result of this certainty in investment by publishers, and the knowledge by authors that if their books are successful they will receive appropriate royalties.
Australian books are the last bastion of our unique culture — our books have Australian language, spelling and illustrations. This is particularly important in children’s book publishing — who wants to read about mom, sidewalks, diapers or dialing 911 instead of 000 for emergencies?
As one of the largest English speaking book markets in the world, we need territorial copyright in order to play on a level field with the big two (US and UK). Without territorial copyright we will wither.
There is no reason to give this industry away, and not a single benefit from doing so. The Australian publishing industry is an employer, and exporter and a key protector of our culture – at a time when the economy is tightening, the industry is united in its efforts to keep Australian books."
Australians for Australian Books
What do you think?
