Australian Government Keeps Protections for Publishers

In Feature Articles by Andrew Wilkins

By Andrew Wilkins CANBERRA: Today, an intense year-long debate about the future of Australia’s publishing industry effectively came to an end with the announcement that the Australian government had rejected a proposal from its own think-tank to turn Australian into an open market for books. ”The Government has decided not to change the Australian regulatory regime for books … In …

Bonus Material: What Do You Think of Australia’s Decision?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

Back in August, we asked you what you thought about the Australian Productivity Commission’s proposal to turn Australia into an open market for books. The overwhelming majority of responses were against the proposed changes. Today, that proposal was rejected by the Australian government. Was it the right decision or is the government stifling free-market competition? Tell us what you think …

Global Trade Talk: Bookseller Retail Awards; Hachette’s POD Facility; Aussie Book Imports

In Global Trade Talk, News by Hannah Johnson

By Hannah Johnson At The Bookseller Retail Awards last night, almost all of the major retailers nominated for an award walked away with one. At the start of the ceremony, Bookseller editor-in-chief Niell Denny’s announced that the Retail Awards would merge with the British Bookseller Awards in 2010. A highlight among the presenters was Peter Usborne, who presented the award …

Bonus Material: Take Our Survey on Australian Copyright Reform

In Discussion by Andrew Wilkins

By Andrew Wilkins There is no time frame set for the proposals made by the Australian Productivity Commission to alter copyright protections, as outlined in our lead article, to become law. The next step is for Australia’s Assistant Treasurer to consider the proposal, which he’s indicated he’s in no hurry to do. The ruling Australian Labour Party has announced a …