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Sarah Powell appointed as new ALACC Copyright Law and Policy Adviser

05 Apr 2022

Tuesday 5 April 2022
For immediate release

Canberra, AustraliaThe Management Committee of the Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Committee (ALACC) is delighted that Sarah Powell has joined the organisation as our new Copyright Law and Policy Adviser. Sarah will commence in the role on Monday 9 May 2022.

ALACC Chairperson Justine Heazlewood said Ms Powell was selected for the position based on her extensive experience and her leadership in advocating for law reform in New Zealand.

“Sarah’s well-honed copyright knowledge and experience – especially in relation to the copyright realities experienced by libraries and archives – makes her an outstanding choice to lead the ALACC as we continue to push for reform,” she said.

Ms Powell was instrumental in copyright reform in New Zealand, where she chaired the LIANZA Standing Committee on Copyright from 2019–2021 and was an active member of the Universities NZ Copyright Expert Advisory Group. Ms Powell contributed to the submissions by those bodies to the Review of the New Zealand Copyright Act which commenced in 2018.

“Consultation on the government’s access reforms reminds us that libraries, archives and cultural collections are wrapped in copyright ‘red tape’, while communities such as regional and remote library users continue to receive inequitable access to their collections and services,” Ms Heazlewood said.

“I and ALACC members warmly welcome Sarah to the ALACC and look forward to working closely with her to continue to be the voice for libraries and archives in relation to the copyright issues affecting them.”

Ms Powell is currently studying law at Victoria University in Wellington. Prior to joining the ADA, she was employed by AJ Park, a legal firm specialising in intellectual property. She has also held the role of Copyright and Open Access Adviser at Auckland University of Technology (2018–2021) and Rights Specialist at Auckland War Memorial Museum (2015–2018).

Commenting on the appointment, Ms Powell said she was excited to be taking on the role.

“The work of the ALACC in advocating for copyright policy that helps not hinders the work of libraries and archives is very near to my heart given that the experiences of Australian and New Zealand libraries and archives in relation to copyright are similar,” Ms Powell said.

“Libraries, archives and cultural collections are fundamental to cultural life and a healthy democracy. I look forward to working closely with the Committee and their institutions to continue the push for sensible copyright reform – starting with the access reforms.”

Ms Powell takes over the position from Ben Rice, who led the ALACC from September 2020 to November 2021. Upon commencement, Ms Powell will also take up the position of Executive Officer at the Australian Digital Alliance (ADA).

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:

Mr Elliott Bledsoe
Copyright Officer
Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition

0405 059 367
info@alacc.org.au

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