The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) applauds the creation of Writers Australia, together with a substantial increase in investment in literature and the introduction of digital lending rights announced today in the new National Cultural Policy by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Arts Minister Tony Burke.

“This policy demonstrates the Australian Government has listened to the ASA’s calls for policy reform, a national strategic approach, and increased investment that will build a more sustainable literary industry that better supports the authors and illustrators that are at the heart of our sector’s success,” says Olivia Lanchester, CEO of the ASA. “I am delighted that the National Cultural Policy recognises the fundamental importance of our writers and illustrators with actions that will make a material difference to their professional lives.”

The Government has restored funding cuts to the Australia Council and expanded its functions to establish Creative Australia. Four new bodies will comprise Creative Australia including Writers Australia, which will be in operation from 2025 and responsible for research, advocacy and investment for the literature sector. Writers Australia will have an allocated budget of $19.3 million, and given that literature received $5.1 million through Australia Council in 2021-22 this significant increase in investment is welcome news for the sector.   

“We are yet to digest the detail but are encouraged by the establishment of Writers Australia. The literary sector has been woefully underfunded, so this represents an exciting opportunity to elevate literature, to set some sector-specific priorities, and embed long-term funding under specialist direction. We look forward to working with government to ensure there is a strong author voice, embedding direct investment in authors, First Nations writing and publishing, the development of domestic and global markets, and support for the literary ecosystem,” Lanchester says.

“The ASA also applauds greater investment in First Nations creators, the establishment of an autonomous new First Nations-led body and protection over First Nations’ cultural expression and the establishment of a new Poet Laureate. We also welcome the recognition in the National Cultural Policy that authors and artists should be paid fairly for their work. Today’s announcements send a clear message to all writers and illustrators: your work is valued.”

Chair of the ASA, Sophie Cunningham says, “We’re thrilled to see the Government’s affirmation that artists and authors should be paid fairly for their work. This is fundamental to a fair and sustainable arts sector. As I and many other authors made clear in our submissions to Government, authors do not fall under the protection of awards or industrial agreements and, as freelancers, have to negotiate on a case by case basis to be paid fairly. We welcome the recognition of the ASA’s recommended minimum rates of pay in cultural policy.”

Lanchester says,“We particularly celebrate the expansion of the Lending Rights schemes. The public and educational lending rights schemes are the most meaningful way the Australian Government supports our writers and illustrators and today’s announcement is welcome news because that investment will be delivered to where the need is most acute – our individual creators who earn on average just $18K a year.

“The ASA has a proud tradition when it comes to lending rights. We successfully campaigned for Public Lending Rights in 1975, for Educational Lending Rights in 2000 and now, after a lengthy campaign, for the expansion to digital formats in 2023. To every writer and illustrator who supported us along the way, or wrote submissions to government, or wrote to their local member, our warmest thanks – you have been heard.

“Today’s a great day for authors, with a sense of optimism and excitement and reinvigoration for the arts. The sustainability of writing and illustrating careers in Australia has been under threat for some years, and it is gratifying to see authors recognised as fundamentally important in Cultural Policy. They have always been at the heart of our national culture, but haven’t featured in government policy for a very long time.”

Cunningham says, “We thank the Minister for his swift action, language of respect and valuing of our Australian writers and illustrators. The ASA applauds these substantial steps forward, the opportunities that will follow, and the commitment of the Government to improve working conditions for Australian writers and illustrators.”