Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books: Research Report

The Productivity Commission has just released its research report on Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books at http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/books/report

It offers very vauable insights into publishing and concludes:

Having considered industry feedback and undertaken further analysis, the Commission is recommending that the Parallel Import Restrictions provisions be repealed, and that:

– Three years notice should be given to facilitate industry adjustment.

– Current financial assistance for encouraging Australian writing and publishing should be reviewed immediately, and any changes implemented prior to the repeal of the PIRs. The new arrangements should be reviewed after five years.

– To assist in monitoring the impact of these changes, the ABS should undertake a revised version of its 2003-04 industry survey as soon as possible and update it prior to the five year review.


I encourage all to read the report.