Senator Kim Carr (pictured) announced the Book Industry Strategy Group initiative in Melbourne yesterday at the ‘Digital Revolution: Publishing in the 21st Century’ symposium.
The federal minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research said the group aims to help the industry “meet the challenges of increased online book sales and grasp the opportunities presented by the emerging e-book market”.
The group will comprise representatives from across the industry, including Printing Industries and various book printing companies, and will focus on the key issues of supply chain integration and developing viable business models for the digital age.
“I want to see book printers, publishers, distributors and retailers together in one room collaborating with each other and taking responsibility for transforming their industry in a way that ensures its future sustainability,” Carr said.
“We are moving into an environment in which the printed book is just one platform among many.”
Alan Fahy, managing director of prominent Victoria-based book printer McPherson’s Printing, gave qualified support for the scheme.
“It’s pretty early days, but the concept itself, I don’t see any negatives in that,” he told ProPrint.
“We’ve still got to see what the terms of reference are. I imagine they’ll be pretty critical, as well as seeing if it’s got the appropriate resources. But we’re quite supportive at this stage.”
Fahy also urged caution in assessing the potential effectiveness of the group.”Obviously different people are going to have different agendas,” he said.
Hagop Tchamkertenian, Printing Industries national manager for policy and government affairs, described the move as another win for the industry following the federal government’s decision last year not to lift parallel import restrictions on books.
“We are very happy that Senator Carr sees the printing industry as an integral part of the new communication world and is keen to encourage the adoption of new technology in a digital world,” he said.
The group is expected to have a completed report within 12 months.
“I am giving this strategy group a very clear mandate – I don’t just want a report, I want a way forward,” Carr said.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter