#freeisnotfair

1 September 2017

Artsource welcomes the Government's response to the Productivity Commission’s report on Australia’s intellectual property arrangements and copyright. We urge continued collaboration towards a policy that allows creatives to earn a fair living and build sustainable careers.

Below is a summary of the key recommendation responses:

  • US style ‘Fair Use’ - the Government notes this recommendation and will consult further on the its aim to create a modernised copyright exceptions framework that keeps pace with technological advances and is flexible to adapt to future changes. The Government’s public consultation will occur from early 2018.
  • Extension of the ‘Safe Harbour’ scheme - the Government is undertaking additional consultation on the safe harbour scheme before considering whether to introduce amendments to the Parliament.
  • Repeal of Parallel Import Restrictions for books - the Government supports in principle this recommendation, but is consulting with the book industry to develop a reform pathway.

See the Ministers’ media release here >

See more industry responses below:

Artsource encourages a collaborative approach to maintain strong copyright principles and ensure the work of artists is protected. Please continue to actively raise awareness of the importance of copyright for creative industries with #freeisnotfair. See below for more ways to support the campaign.

Support the campaign 


Artsource supports the  #freeisnotfair campaign by creative organisations advocating for Australian writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers and other creators to receive fair payment for their work.

CLICK HERE to read the Australian Copyright Council Chair Kate Haddock weighing in on the Wikipedia Fair Use campaign in Australia.  
 
In May, Artsource member, Jo Darbyshire, represented visual artists in the Copyright Agency Insights event to raise awareness of the fair use proposal and the uncertainty of creating and publishing without the current protections.
 
Changes to Australian copyright laws are currently being pushed by the Productivity Commission, large organisations and big technology companies that will greatly diminish these protections.
 
The Copyright Council are bringing their National Seminar Series Understanding Copyright; Making it work for you to Perth on 14 and 15 August 2017.
 
Visual artists are encouraged to find out about their rights and options for rights management in Australia through Viscopy.

More information about the 'fair use' campaign can be found at:

Help to email your MP is available here: freeisnotfair.org/email-your-mp

Sign the open letter here: freeisnotfair.org/sign-the-open-letter