Changes to restrictions on parallel importation of books may lead to a decline in the creation of new Australian works and impact the sustainability of the Australian literature sector. This would reduce access to a diverse range of Australian books and limit options for readers through lower cost imported books dominating the market. Such a shift would affect the whole supply chain, from publishers and booksellers through to writers. This would weaken literary culture in Australia, including the ability of readers to access the work of Australian writers. As a result, additional government investment may be required to ensure Australian writers continue creating new works and to ensure sustainability of the Australian literature sector. For example, the Copyright Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1997 removed parallel import restrictions for music. In order to address the impact this would have on the music industry, the government introduced a $10 million music industry package to support distribution and access to Australian music.
Changes to restrictions on parallel importation of books may lead to a decline in the creation of new Australian works and impact the sustainability of the Australian literature sector. This would reduce access to a diverse range of Australian books and limit options for readers through lower cost imported books dominating the market. Such a shift would affect the whole supply chain, from publishers and booksellers through to writers. This would weaken literary culture in Australia, including the ability of readers to access the work of Australian writers. As a result, additional government investment may be required to ensure Australian writers continue creating new works and to ensure sustainability of the Australian literature sector. For example, the Copyright Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1997 removed parallel import restrictions for music. In order to address the impact this would have on the music industry, the government introduced a $10 million music industry package to support distribution and access to Australian music.
79-submission-australia-council-for-the-arts-attachment-a-updating-australias-copyright-laws.docx.docx