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Australian Gov't Lobbied To Implement Media Levies

Posted by timothy on from the back-scratching-time dept.

TheScream writes "Screenrights has been activly promoting its proposal for a CD-R DVD-R levy (similar to that implemented in Canada, as previous reported on /.) with a 5 minute interview on popular Australian breakfast television show Today. News.com.au reports that Screenrights and APRA "...want a recording levy of between 3 per cent and 10 per cent..." and includes highly debateable mis-truths such as "Every kid does it, so let's facilitate some standards in the marketplace.""

3 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. With the huge size, and low cost of hard drive... by saskboy · · Score: 4, Informative

    I wonder when hard drives will be taxed to death by ignorant government goons?

    Most serious pirates I know, don't even put their music on CDs, they just by another hard drive to back everything up.

    --
    Saskboy's blog is good. 9 out of 10 dentists agree.
  2. So what should they do? by mpawlo · · Score: 4, Informative

    Levies are not good, but what should music companies aim to do? I just wrote a short piece on a related matter in light of the Verizon decision. Some of you might find it interesting.

    "Greplaw's editors, although we are reporting indepently of each other, often tend to criticise the RIAA's efforts to stop illegal music trading online. One may still wonder what a proper action might be."
    (---)
    "The Internet is a new kid on the music industry's block. From the right holders' perspective the digital domain is often presented as a problem and not an opportunity. In this column, I have identified five possible ways for the music industry to treat this new kid on the block."

    Read the entire article.

    Regards,

    Mikael

    --
    Pawlo.com
  3. Don't complain! CALL your MP by divereigh · · Score: 4, Informative

    I can't believe the number of comments based around "this is going to happen, there's nothing we can do". Yes there is: CALL (don't fax, write or email) your MP (Member of Parliament). I just called mine and he wasn't aware of it, but was definately interested.

    How do you get the number? First find out the name of your MP. Then put his/her name into the search engine here. Call the number displayed. Most likely you will get straight through - at least to a knowlegable side-kick.

    Be brief, just let them know what's going on - send them a copy of the URL. Give them your name and address and ask for an update.

    Hopefully we'll get some democracy going on this.