Bookmarks: News and views from the book world

The government's acceptance of the Harper Review's recommendations to scrap restrictions on parallel importation of books has disappointed many in the books industry.  On several occasions this century, there have been attempts to reform copyright restrictions to allow competing editions of books to be imported, with the main argument being it would lead to cheaper books. The counter-argument is that the move would have a damaging impact on Australia's literary culture. As Australian Publishers Association chief executive Michael Gordon-Smith put it, local booksellers will have fewer local books to sell to local readers. "It will make it more difficult for smaller publishers to invest in marketing titles in Australia and more difficult to back Australian writers. It would be damaging for Australian innovation." The Australian Booksellers Association also has concerns about the move, with chief executive Joel Becker warning against the dumping of stock on the local market and urging protection of local copyright, swifter implementation of GST collection on offshore purchases and action on the disparity in post costs. And Australian Society of Authors chair David Day says the ASA is dismayed by the plan: "It is more likely to put prices up and is a big negative for authors."

Freeman's philosophy

John Freeman will be familiar to readers of this paper not only for the reviews and interviews he has done for the books pages but also more recently as an author and editor of Granta. Last month his new venture, Freeman's, a biannual literary journal was published. The first edition features writing on the theme of arrival. Freeman calls the publication a "big small journal". So what's the thinking behind it? He told Publishing Perspectives,  "One of my philosophies ...  is to publish writers I believe in holistically, as in what they are, what they represent and what they do. There are lots of writers in the world, wonderful writers, with a great level of proficiency, but the ones that you can stand next to and behind and say, 'I believe in you, I believe that the world is a better place because of what you do', are far fewer in number, but enough to give an editor a lifetime of publishing assignments. To me, that is a wonderful task and calling."

The tracks of their tears

Next Saturday, Raimond Gaita​ continues fundraising for his campaign against the chicken factory planned for Moolort Plains, where much of his Romulus My Father is set.  There will be a discussion with Robyn Davidson, author of Tracks, focusing on themes of beauty, adventure, fear, joy, courage and death. The event starts at 5pm on December 5, at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au