Parallel Import Restrictions on Books

The majority voted against the motion introduced by Greens Senator Christine Milne and Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

Wording of the motion

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the experience from around the world does not support claims from the Productivity Commission and others that removing territorial copyright protection would reduce the market price for books, and

(ii) there is ample evidence that removing territorial copyright protection would hurt Australia’s writers, publishers and printers, damaging both Australia’s culture and economy; and

(b) calls on the Government to abandon the plans, inherited from the Howard Government, to remove or restrict territorial copyright protection for books.