2023 was an intensely busy year for the ASA, which included our advocacy on artificial intelligence, a spotlight on writers in the National Cultural Policy, the expansion of Lending Rights, the launch of our new website and database, and the celebration of our 60th birthday (read more about the ASA’s achievements in our 2023 Annual Report).

And this year’s calendar is already brimming with activity! In 2024 artificial intelligence will continue to be the biggest advocacy issue on the agenda and we’ll be consulting with the literary sector and communicating with Government to ensure that writers’ and illustrators’ concerns are heard. 

Our other advocacy plans for the year include; collaborating on the copyright reforms discussed at last year’s Copyright Roundtables organised by the Attorney-General’s department, such as a new orphan works scheme; supporting the establishment of Writers Australia to commence in 2025; lobbying for a boost of Australian-authored content in schools; and calling for tax-free literary prizes and grants.

That’s alongside our endless campaigning for fair pay for writers and illustrators. We will continue to recommend to funding bodies that funding for organisations or projects which engage authors and illustrators should be contingent on paying at or above the ASA’s recommended minimum rates of pay. We’ve also got a raft of updates to our rates of pay planned throughout the year, including rates of pay for public appearances, school appearances, book illustration and freelance writing, as well as the launch of our judging rates of pay.

Plus, we’ve got an exciting new professional development program in the works, we’ll award the 2024 ASA/HQ Fiction Prize, the Barbara Jefferis Award, the ASA Medal and the ASA/CA Award Mentorships, we’re publishing comprehensive new resources, and we’re developing our next Reconciliation Action Plan. 

Everything we do is only possible thanks to the support of our members. If you’re not yet a member of the ASA, consider joining us today.