Australian Government Plans Copyright Law Review

by Mary Swire, for LawAndTax-News.com, Hong Kong

06 May 2005

The Australian attorney general, Philip Ruddock has this month published an issues paper examing the possibility of reforming the country's copyright laws.

Under Australian copyright law as it currently stands, it is illegal to copy CDs onto alternative fornats for personal use, or to videotape television programmes, both of which prohibitions are widely ignored.

Consumer groups have argued that a 'fair use' provision should be inserted into the law, either by the government or the courts. However, copyright holders have argued that exceptions to the rules on making copies of copyrighted material should be minimised.

In a statement, Mr Ruddock explained that:

"I seek submissions on ways of addressing these conflicting views...In particular, I seek views on whether the Copyright Act should include more specific exceptions or a fair use exception which would facilitate the public’s access to copyright material."

He continued:

"I appreciate the issues associated with ‘fair use’ and copyright exceptions, including personal copying, provoke significant debate amongst copyright owners and users. These issues affect many Australians from those recording television programs at home to others who work in Australia’s growing copyright industries. These issues should be properly considered. I encourage those who have a view to make a submission on the options proposed in this paper for reforming the exceptions to copyright and any other options the Government should consider."

Comment is invited on the matter until July 1.

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