The Australian government has ditched
proposed changes to book import laws and has left the current restrictions on importing cheaper versions of books in tact. But at the same time, the government is embracing online booksellers such as Amazon.com. The government position now is that electronic books and online retailers will lead to price reductions for consumers and will drive innovation. Booksellers are furious, saying that it will cost them jobs and profits: people can buy cheaper books online, but not at local bookstores.
The news has been warmly welcomed by Australian publishers and authors, who had campaigned against the proposed changes to parallel importation restrictions, which could have led to an an open-market in the country. But booksellers, some of whom wanted restrictions scrapped or reduced, have been left disappointed.
Under the existing rules, a title qualifies for protection if the Australian publisher releases the book within 30 days of its overseas release. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the government is believed to have explored a compromise that would have reduced this 30-day period to seven or 14 days. But that plan, as well as an alternative proposal of a price cap similar to one in place in Canada, were rejected.
Consumer affairs minister Craig Emerson said in a statement: "In the circumstances of intense competition from online books and e-books, the government judged that changing the regulations governing book imports is unlikely to have any material effect on the availability of books in Australia."
The Coalition for Cheaper Books hasn't given up. It says it will continue to fight to have all restrictions lifted so that cheaper books can be sold at bookshops and on the Internet.
