Hartsuyker Welcomes Cheaper Books Report

July 14, 2009

Shadow Consumer Affairs Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, has welcomed today’s (Tuesday) report from the Productivity Commission recommending the abolition of import restrictions on books.

The restrictions mean that retailers cannot import copies of a book if it is available from an Australian publisher.   The Commission found that this resulted in higher local book prices.  An interim report had recommended limiting the restrictions to twelve months after publication but the final report has recommended abolishing the restrictions after three years, during which grants and other assistance would be refined to better help local writers.

 

“The Commission has made a major change in its position since its interim report and I will want to read today’s report carefully,” said Mr Hartsuyker.  “However, I welcome the prospect of cheaper books for Australian readers.  I note the Commission’s conclusion that importation restrictions result in higher local book prices and that the support to authors offered by restrictions is poorly targeted.

 

“It seems that neither authors nor readers are benefiting from the current arrangements.  Indeed, the Commission says that the higher prices paid by Australian readers benefit overseas authors and publishers rather local writers.  Why should Australian readers subsidise foreign writers and publishers by paying over the odds for the books they want to read?”

 

 

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