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7 September 2000
Your Copyright Future Begins On 4 March
2001 The Copyright Amendment (Digital Agenda) Act 2000 was
signed into law by the Governor-General on 4 September 2000. It commences 6
months after that day, on 4 March 2001.
The new Digital Agenda Act is a
major leap forward for Australian copyright. It will provide much-needed legal
infrastructure for our burgeoning information economy.
The Australian
Digital Alliance (ADA) today congratulated all those who were involved with the
Act's long and sometimes difficult progress. 'We thank members of the
Government, the ALP and the Democrats, as well as their staffers and numerous
Government officers for their hard work and intelligence in getting to this
stage.' Said Mr Nick Smith, Executive Officer of the Australian Digital
Alliance.
The Act strikes a vital balance between the interests of
copyright owners, copyright communicators such as Internet Service Providers,
and copyright users such as schools, universities and libraries.
'We're
heartened that this necessary balance between interests was so clearly
recognised by all three major groups in Parliament: the Government, the ALP and
the Democrats. This places a copyright regime which effectively balances strong
copyright rights with fair exceptions at the heart of Australian public
policy.' Said Mr Tom Cochrane, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University of
Technology and ADA Director.
'This legislation will provide a strong
boost for Australia's economy. It provides the certainty that our Internet
Industries need to do their job. It grants strong new rights and protections to
copyright owners so they can exploit their creations online. And it allow
Australian students and researchers to access the world's storehouse of
knowledge for their own education or for the benefit of Australian R&D.
Everybody wins.' Said Mr Steve Heptonstall, Chair of the Australian Digital
Alliance.
The ADA is a coalition of public and private sector
interests formed to promote balanced copyright law and provide an effective
voice for a public interest perspective in the copyright debate. ADA members
include schools, universities, consumer groups, major cultural institutions, IT
companies, scientific and other research organisations, libraries and
individuals.
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