News

The Productivity Commission’s final report on copyright restrictions for the parallel importation of books recommends that the 30-day rule that protects Australian printers and publishers be abolished totally after just 3 years to allow ‘industry adjustment’.



The recommendation to repeal the 30-day rule, which has met with strong opposition from authors, publishers, retailers and printers, would see the loss of over 500 jobs and $80 million in revenue if the Government decides to carry out the Commission’s suggestion to get rid of the copyright protection.



AMWU National Secretary of the Print Division, Steve Walsh said that the Commission’s agenda to demolish the printing industry was full throttle, with the outright repeal of the 30-day rule and just 3 years for adjustment.



“Losing the copyright restrictions that currently exist would see a reduction of $70 to 80 million per annum to revenue, at a time when the Australian economy needs to retain that revenue and stimulate growth.

“The AMWU is very concerned that a direct ramification of this legislative change would be the loss of 500 direct jobs, something we simply cannot afford.



“It is clear that the impact on regional communities would be detrimental, especially those areas where Australia’s printing industry thrives - such as Maryborough.



“In this economic climate, where every job is precious, it would be terrible news for our valuable print industry if the copyright restrictions were removed, as it would allow books printed overseas to take a major advantage over Australian suppliers.



“Furthermore, the environmental impact of having to ship and freight books from overseas that can perfectly well be printed here at a competitive cost, is another consideration that cannot be overlooked.



“The suggestion that cheaper books will be the outcome is in fact erroneous – there is still no evidence that this move would result in lower book prices for consumers.



If retailers such as Dymocks and the Coalition for Cheaper Books are so concerned by the price of books, they should be revising their profit margins rather than asking printers to lose business in pursuit of books printed cheaply overseas,” said Mr Walsh.

Contact Person: Steve Walsh

Contact Email: news@amwu.asn.au

http://www.amwu.org.au/read-article/news-detail/330/Productivity-Commission-continues-its-attack-on-Australia%e2%80%99s-book-publishing-industry/