ALCC appoints Ben Rice as new Copyright Law and Policy Adviser

Thursday 16 September 2020
For immediate release

Canberra, Australia—The Management Committee of the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee (ALCC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Ben Rice as its new Copyright Law and Policy Adviser, taking over from Ms Jessica Coates, who had held the role since 2015.

Mr Rice is a lawyer, admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales. Before joining the ADA Mr Rice worked on policy – including copyright – as a policy adviser with Policy Australia and Eloquium Group. He has extensive experience conducting research, providing advice, writing submissions in response to government consultations, engaging with stakeholders and monitoring developments in intellectual property, digital technologies and media law.

“Libraries and archives have always played a crucial role in Australia’s civic, cultural and social life. The outcome of current and future copyright reform will be critical to providing the certainty and flexibility our cultural collections need to continue to serve the community,” Mr Rice said.

“The copyright changes passed in 2017 were an important first step, and I am committed to advocating on behalf of libraries and archives to continue that work through the copyright access reform process and beyond”.

“Year after year, the work of the ALCC has resulted in changes to copyright law which have made access to information easier for library and archive users, while respecting the rights of creators,” ALCC Committee Member Sue McKerracher said, “Jessica Coates has done a terrific job for the sector over the last five years, with support from Elliott Bledsoe, and we’re delighted that Ben Rice comes to us with the knowledge and skills we need to maintain this momentum.”

Mr Rice commences in the role immediately. Mr Rice will also fill the role of Executive Officer of the Australian Digital Alliance (ADA), also effective immediately.

ENDS