Printing Industries is calling for member support at the Melbourne Writers Festival this weekend to highlight industry opposition to the Productivity Commission’s recommendations for the removal of restrictions on parallel imports on books.
The association believes that if implemented by the Federal Government, the recommendations would devastate Australia’s book printing industry and have a flow-on effect into all other sectors of the industry.
Part of the Festival will feature an open forum discussion featuring opponents of the recommendations including publishers, leading authors and printing industry representatives along with representatives of major booksellers and the Productivity Commission.
Printing Industries CEO Philip Andersen (left), said the forum would be held at 7pm on Saturday 22 August in ACMI 2, Federation Square, Melbourne. He said the forum would provide an opportunity for companies and individuals likely to be adversely affected by the recommendations to show their opposition.“Together with our coalition partners of the Saving Aussie Books campaign, we are encouraging members to attend the forum and, where possible, to provide some practical support through signing and handing our petitions,” he said.
“We are also looking for assistance with the preparation of signage that attendees can use to show their support for our campaign.”
Companies that can assist are invited to contact Dee White on (03) 5428 5365 or e-mail DeeScriber@optusnet.com.au
“Organisations and individuals outside of Victoria can also help by signing petitions which can be downloaded below and by participating in the Choice online poll on the parallel importation of books which has been re-opened following a temporary absence,” Mr Andersen said.
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Petition against the Parallel Importation of books (pdf - 245.8 kb)
Print, sign, circulate for more signatures of support and return by 1 September 2009. |
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