The Productivity Commission has been asked by the Australian Government to conduct an inquiry into harnessing data and digital technology. It is now seeking feedback on a change to Australia’s copyright system to allow text and data mining (TDM) by multinational technology companies. As part of this work, they have been tasked with identifying priority reforms and developing actionable recommendations.
In this interim report, the PC presents draft recommendations focused on four key policy reform areas:
· Enable AI's productivity potential
· New pathways to expand data access
· Supporting safe data access and use through outcomes-based privacy regulation
· Enhance reporting efficiency, transparency and accuracy through digital financial reporting.
They are inviting feedback and further information from individuals, businesses and organisations by September 15, 2025. The commission will review the feedback and make final recommendations by the end of 2025.
SCBWI will make a submission arguing for protections for kids’ book creators but we are also encouraging all SCBWI members to make submissions to the commission and to write to your member of parliament. We’ve included text below that you may like to consider as a guide.
Dear xxx
I am a resident in your electorate and a professional children’s book author/illustrator who visits schools across Australia to inspire kids to read and write.
I express grave concern about the recent Productivity Commissions recommendations that technology companies have a copyright exemption to train their AI models without seeking the authors permission and without financial compensation.
As you are aware authors/illustrators receive unsustainable payment for their work. Many have other jobs in a variety of other roles in addition to writing/illustrating to financially survive. If creator work is unfairly used without adequate permission or payment, we will cease to be able to keep making Australian stories for Australian kids.
Australian culture is intrinsic to our books. Australian youth need to engage in our ethics and values. It is vital to advocate for our creators to retain their copyright. The support of large big-tech corporations in the face of our creators, is a David and Goliath battle.
We implore the commission to support our values and creators.
Kind regards,
Xxx
Please find the link to making a submission here:
https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/data-digital/interim
Other helpful links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPQGn6g6TNA
In this webinar Copyright Agency CEO Josephine Johnston and Director Policy, Government and Member Relations Libby Baulch outlines the issues with the Productivity Commission's interim report, what Copyright Agency is doing and how we are working with allies in the creative industries.