30/01/2023

Australia’s publishers today welcomed the Government’s support for reading, writers and books in the new National Cultural Policy announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Arts Minister Tony Burke. 

The APA applauds the Government’s commitment of $19.3m in new funding through Writers Australia, which will include "direct support for writers and publishers to grow local and international audiences for Australian books". 

Publishers also welcomed the emphasis on First Nations creators, who have been at the forefront in taking Australian stories to the world.  

"Storytelling, especially through books and writing, is at the centre of Australian life. It’s timely that the Government has recognised that in its new cultural policy, Revive," says Michael Gordon-Smith, CEO of the APA. 

"Digital lending rights will boost the often modest earning of publishers and authors. The Poet Laureate is a fitting celebration of the special place of the writer in our community."

"Establishing Writers Australia is the most significant development in national literary policy since the formation of the Literature Board in 1975. It begins to address the difficulties and lack of planning over the past decade when authors, publishers and literary infrastructure were not given sufficient priority. The new funds recognise the risks publishers take to bring Australian works to local readers and to international markets." 

You can read the National Cultural Policy here.