News :: Fewer Australian books in Christmas stockings
Media Release, APA, 23 December 2008: There will be fewer Australian books in Christmas stockings from next year if a push to change Australia’s copyright laws is successful, says Australian Publishers Association chief executive Maree McCaskill.
“Australia’s book publishing industry is flourishing and Australians like what they find on the nation’s bookshelves — 60% of books sold in Australia these days are Australian, compared to 10% in the 1970s,” McCaskill said.
“The reason Australian publishing is flourishing is the stability provided by changes to copyright laws introduced in 1991, which confirmed Australia’s territorial copyright.
“These laws, known in the industry as the 30/90-rule, give Australian publishers the exclusive right to sell an overseas book in Australia provided they publish here within 30 days of its overseas publication.”
“Australia’s book publishing industry is flourishing and Australians like what they find on the nation’s bookshelves — 60% of books sold in Australia these days are Australian, compared to 10% in the 1970s,” McCaskill said.
“The reason Australian publishing is flourishing is the stability provided by changes to copyright laws introduced in 1991, which confirmed Australia’s territorial copyright.
“These laws, known in the industry as the 30/90-rule, give Australian publishers the exclusive right to sell an overseas book in Australia provided they publish here within 30 days of its overseas publication.”