We argued that writers and illustrators were major creators of Australia's unique culture, and that the current tax debate was an opportunity for the Government to increase and broaden its support for Australian artists and the arts into the future. Applications for next year's residencies will be sought from mid-year. The ASA office often gets phone calls from members wishing to be put in contact with lawyers and accountants who are conversant with the special needs of writers. We do have a list of such contacts at the office, but it is fairly limited and mostly confined to Sydney and Melbourne. In December 1998, Copyright Agency Ltd appeared in the Copyright Tribunal seeking a higher rate for copying fees in the light of the increased use of course-packs in universities, the growing availability of works in digital form, and a dramatic increase in students.
Membership is free.
The ASA has been overwhelmed with orders from the new publications list and it is taking longer than usual to process them all. Please be patient and allow approx. 10 to 14 days turnaround. What It Does - Gives you a full clause by clause assessment and advice on possible renegotiations. If you have any specific questions about your contract, put them in a covering letter and these will be addressed.