We are seeking your feedback on draft changes designed to simplify and modernise our copyright laws to make them easier for the disability, educational, libraries and archives sectors.

How it works

Why we want your input
It will help us better understand how the proposed amendments may impact on you or your organisation.
How you can voice your opinion
You can have your say by providing a written submission.
What will be the outcome of this consultation?
Your feedback will inform the direction of proposed reforms to Australia's copyright laws.

Consultation Information

Consultation tabs

The Issue
Consultation Period: 
December 23, 2015 15:00 AEDT to February 12, 2016 17:00 AEDT

Currently, libraries, archives and educational institutions face difficulties in making legitimate use of copyright material because of outdated, prescriptive and overly complex legislation.

Reforms to the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and related regulations are needed to ensure these institutions and the Australian community can reasonably access content.

The changes are designed to:

  • Streamline the educational statutory licence provisions, making it easier and simpler for educational institutions and copyright collecting societies to agree on licensing arrangements for the copying and communication of copyright material.
  • Provide simple, clear rules for libraries, archives and key cultural institutions to make preservation copies of copyright material. 
  • Align the terms of protection for unpublished works with those for published works to provide libraries, archives and other cultural institutions with greater opportunities to use, and provide public access, to unpublished works. 
  • Ensure that search engines, universities and libraries have ‘safe harbour’ protection if they comply with conditions aimed at reducing online copyright infringement.

Relevant Documentation

Exposure Draft

Published 22nd Dec 2015

Download PDF (239.34 KB) Download DOC (297.5 KB)
Outline of proposed amendments to the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). For an accessible version of this document please contact copyright@communications.gov.au.

Guiding Questions

Published 22nd Dec 2015

Download PDF (824.23 KB) Download DOC (95 KB)
Background and context about the proposed amendments, and questions designed to guide your review / submission.

Participate

Started December 23, 2015 15:00 AEDT
Ends February 12, 2016 17:00 AEDT
Days Remaining 0 of 51
Now under review

Formal Submission

Submissions are now closed for this consultation and are now under review

The Department invites people and organisations interested in Updating Australia's copyright laws to tell us their views on this topic.