18 June 2008
REVIEW OF PHOTO AND FILM COPYING LAW TABLED
A review of laws governing the private copying of films and photographs has recommended that no changes be made to current copyright law for the time-being, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.
The review, which was undertaken by Attorney-General's Department and tabled in Parliament today, concludes that it would be premature to change the law at this time. However, the report also recommends that relevant markets continue to be monitored to ensure industry expectations are realised.
"The Government is aware that there are very divergent views on how copyright law should adapt to changes in digital technology and consumer expectations," Mr McClelland said.
"I support the report's assessments, which note that the current provisions have only been in operation for eighteen months and more time is needed to assess their impact."
Mr McClelland said, "Keeping the laws as they are provides much needed certainty to those adapting to the new copyright regime. I have asked my Department to follow market developments closely in consultation with copyright owners and consumer organisations."
The report, which covers sections 47J and 110AA of the Copyright Act 1968, is available on the website of the Attorney-General's Department at www.ag.gov.au/copyrightexceptions
For more information, contact the Copyright Law Branch of the Attorney-General's Department on (02) 6250 6313 or e-mail: copyrightlawbranch@ag.gov.au.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224