The rally will run from 10am outside the Commonwealth Government building, 4 Treasury Place, Spring Street Melbourne.

Ron Patterson, printing industries general manager, Victoria and Tasmania says while the Federal Government itself was split on what to do about the Productivity Commission’s recommendation for an end to territorial copyright, pressure has to be maintained.

He says, “The recent attempt by the Federal Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, to broker a compromise to retain the territorial copyright provisions in name, but require local copyright holders to publish immediately, abandoning the 30 day provision, is an unworkable sham.”

Patterson also says that if the Productivity Commission’s recommendations are accepted, there will be an immediate devastating impact on the book printing and publishing industry followed by a second wave impact on the commercial printing sector as book printers looked to find new markets to fill their extensive production capacity.

Patterson continues, “This is an issue that affects all of us and we must all pull together to achieve a sensible and acceptable outcome.”

Meanwhile, Steve Gibbons, Federal MP Bendigo will attend and speak at the rally in support of the Maryborough contingent and book printers in general.

Gibbons says, “McPhersons Print Group workers from Maryborough will attend the rally along with authors, publishers, book retailers and others interested in supporting the campaign. There will be a group of speakers addressing the rally including high profile authors, publishers and trade union representatives.”

He continues, “It’s vital that the message gets through loud and clear on just what the proposed changes will do to the future well being of all involved in this important industry.”

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