REPORT ON COPYRIGHT DIGITAL AGENDA REFORMS

The Australian Government's digital agenda copyright reforms are effective and working well, according to an independent report released today.

But the Government remains willing to improve the existing regime where necessary and will consider carefully recommendations by law firm Phillips Fox to improve or better assess the impact of the reforms.

Phillips Fox was engaged to analyse key elements of the reforms, which were introduced in 2001 to update Australia's copyright regime and take into account the rapid development of new technologies.

Its report, which follows extensive consultation with a wide range of copyright stakeholders, is an important element of the Government's broader review of the digital agenda reforms.

Phillips Fox found that "in general, the Digital Agenda Act is achieving its objectives and is working well".

In some areas, notably in the area of Internet Service Provider liability, the report will assist in implementing Australia's FTA obligations.

In others, the copyright obligations of Australia's Free Trade Agreement with the United States supersede the recommendations made in the report.

The report is available on the Attorney-General's Department website at:
http://www.ag.gov.au/DigitalAgendaReview/reportrecommendations

Media contacts:
Carina Tan-Van Baren (Mr Williams) (02) 6277 7480/ 0439 425 373
Steve Ingram (Mr Ruddock) (02) 6277 7300/ 0419 278 715