There has been a significant proliferation of bilateral free trade agreements. This background note examines the impact of the agreements thus far concluded and their trade impact on Australia.There has been a significant proliferation of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) in recent history, particularly FTAs struck between governments in the same region, notably in the...

To enable literary publishers and other literary organisations to distribute and market writing more effectively in Australia and increase the income of writers, this report provides a better understanding of the structure of the literary publishing industry and the potential readership for literary genres. This Australia Council-commissioned research report is a study of the economics...

In December 2008 the federal government that during 2009 it will introduce amendments to give the Federal Court a central role in managing all native title claims. This paper outlines the proposed changes.In December 2008 the federal government that during 2009 it will introduce amendments to give the Federal Court a central role in managing...

Under the Copyright Act 1968, authors and publishers who create a book are automatically entitled to a number of ‘exclusive rights’ over their work. Copyright protection of a book makes it illegal for others to make copies of that book without the permission of the copyright holder. Other provisions in the Copyright Act — the...

The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within six months on the current provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (the 'Copyright Act') that restrict the parallel importation of books, and provide advice on the potential for reform in the area. The Commission will examine, and invites participants to comment on, a range of issues...