Australia To Adopt U.S.-Style Copyright Laws

[admin]

This article was copied from ferret.com.au (http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/11/0c01d811.asp).


US Free Trade Agreement settled

A Free Trade Agreement has been agreed between Australia the United States of America, providing immediate duty free access for 97% of Australia’s manufacturing exports and 66% of its agricultural exports.

The Australian sugar industry has received a blow, however. Substantial pressure from the US sugar industry has led to no increase in Australian access. Duties on beef will be phased out over an 18 year period.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) remains intact, in particular with regard to the price and listing arrangements. Australia retains the right to ensure local content in Australia broadcasting and audiovisual services. Australia has gained full access to the $270bn market for federal government procurement.

Trade Minister Mark Vaile said "The FTA between Australia and the United States is overwhelmingly in the Australian national interest."

"This deal will further integrate the Australian economy with the largest and most dynamic economy in the world, delivering lasting benefits for generations of Australians." Vaile said.

Australia’s manufacturing exports to the US were worth $5.84bn last year.

9 February 2004

[shinobi]

Another blow to the American worker?
Of course this means Vegamite sandwiches for lunch. Ummm Ummm.:rolleyes:
Hmmmm, Australia does have some wicked cars........:p

[Scutter]

All the Australians I know swear by Vegamite Shinobi. The problem with Copyright Laws is that they are virtually unenforceable anywhere except in the United States and Canada. There is such a thing as an International Copyright which costs over three hundred thousand dollars to obtain and is just as unenforceable. I guess though that adding Australia to the list of countries which recognize an American copyright is at least a step in the right direction.