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10 Jun 2022
The Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition welcomes the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP back to the role of Attorney-General. The Attorney-General's department will be responsible for copyright again from Friday 1 July 2022.
Friday 10 June 2022
For immediate release
Canberra, Australia—The Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition (ALACC) welcomes the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP back to the role of Attorney-General of Australia.
On Wednesday 1 June 2022 Minister Dreyfus was appointed as the Attorney-General for a second time, having previously served in the role in the Gillard government. Responsibility for copyright will return to the Attorney-General’s Department on Friday 1 July 2022.
Minister Dreyfus’ prior term as Attorney-General and extensive experience as a lawyer will be invaluable when it comes to overhauling Australia’s out of date copyright laws.
“For over a decade Australia has been engaged in reform of the Copyright Act. Some progress has been made, but more flexibility is still needed for Australia’s libraries, archives and cultural collections” ALACC Copyright Law and Policy Adviser Sarah Powell said.
“The ALACC remains committed to copyright reforms that appropriately support libraries and archives, and that ensure online access to and reuse of collections,” Ms Powell said, “We look forward to working with Minister Dreyfus to continue working towards that goal.”
“Many important and much needed reforms for libraries and archives were proposed in the Access Reforms Bill exposure draft. A new government has not changed the need for these reforms to the Act. We want to ensure they are still a priority for the Albanese government.”
“Australia’s post-COVID recovery depends on an updated and flexible copyright system that reflects on and learns from the challenges collecting bodies faced during the pandemic. This is needed more than ever before for the benefit all Australians.”
The ALACC looks forward to continuing to engage in copyright reform processes in the interests of libraries, archives and cultural collections.
ENDS
Interviews and media contact
Ms Powell is available for interviews by request. All media inquiries related to this media release should be directed to:
Ms Sarah Powell
Copyright Law and Policy Adviser
Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition