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AMWU National Print Division Secretary and Strategy Group member, Lorraine Cassin, said the union believed the report’s recommended overhaul of distribution would benefit the country’s printing workers.



“If we can improve our distribution of books, making the supply chain more efficient and work towards a turnaround goal of 48 hours for reseller orders, then it will encourage publishers to print what books they can here in Australia.



“This means more secure work for our members.”



The report has also recommended a proposed code of practice for the industry, that will see the reduction of the timeframe for retention of territorial copyright from its existing 30/90 days to 14/14 days.



“We are supportive of trialing this code of practice, with the proviso that the distribution becomes more efficient and the industry works towards a shorter turnaround. If everything else is improved in the supply chain, this can work for our printers.”



Ms Cassin implored the Federal Government to implement the report’s other recommendations, such as ensuring government assistance for developing and publishing of books was tied to its printing and production in Australia as well.



“If the government was to follow through with that recommendation it would ensure that there was a viable industry.



“At the moment it is hard for a printer to access government grants to diversify or carry out research and development. There is minimal if any assistance for the industry. This is one example of how they could practically assist.”



Ms Cassin, who sat with leading authors, book retailers, publishers and printers on the Strategy Group, said the book industry was now more committed than ever before to ensure its long-term viability.



“One of the key things to come out of the Strategy Group and the report, is that all stakeholders now recognise that we all have an interest in making sure the book industry continues to be a vibrant and sustainable one.



“We respect each others points of view and we’re committed to working together into the future.”



She said the report needed to be followed through with a body to implement the industry’s agreed reforms.