Associations and institutions are welcome to apply to become members of the ALCC.
01 Apr 2026
The orphan works scheme seeks to facilitate use of genuinely orphaned materials by limiting the remedies available for infringing use if the user conducts a reasonably diligent search for the copyright owner or owners and meets certain other requirements. At the same time, it also provides a means by which copyright owners can reasonably assert their rights should they later come forward.
The orphan works scheme positively benefits Australians’ rights to participate in the cultural life of their community by making available material which may be of cultural, social or educational value held by libraries, archives and other cultural institutions. Access to material held by cultural institutions will benefit researchers, academics, teachers, students, creators and consumers.
The measures in this Bill arose from a series of Ministerial Copyright Roundtables held in 2023 which brought together stakeholders from a range of sectors to identify and discuss copyright priorities and emerging issues with a view to developing practical and achievable copyright reform proposals for Government’s consideration. The measures contained in the Bill are intended to implement the policies agreed in relation to orphan works as a result of these Roundtables and subsequent consultation with relevant stakeholders.
In addition, the Bill also amends Section 28 of the Act for remote learning and makes clear that existing rules for copyright materials in the physical classroom apply when lessons are delivered online or in hybrid settings. The changes will clarify that parents and others, such as members of the community and the local police, can assist with these lessons, enhancing the educational experience.
ALACC will be providing further advice and resources to support our members and communities.