25.03.20
I hope this news finds you all well, and managing physically and emotionally, in an unprecedented week. Firstly, thank you to all the members who have written to me; I appreciate your thoughts and your information. Please continue to contribute to the survey on the impact of COVID-19 on author income, as we build data that will inform our ongoing plans for support. Information gathering will continue through various means throughout this year as the impact on authors is likely to be felt most sharply in the longer term. Despite the immediate hit of cancelled appearances and withering freelance commissions, in the main, authors' losses have not been realised yet. We need to prepare for reduced royalties over the next 12 months, fewer international deals and a potential reduction in publisher's acquisitions as they work through the process of bringing deferred books to market later in the year.
We will ensure that ongoing impacts are voiced at important industry roundtables and to government. Yesterday, I participated in urgent industry discussions, as well as a conference call with Australia Council and the Office of the Arts, along with other peak bodies. This is a welcome line of communication to government. I queried how quickly PLR / ELR payments could be made this year. The Office of the Arts knows how important these payments will be, and will administer payments as quickly as possible.
The ASA will also accelerate its campaign to expand PLR / ELR payments to digital formats. As libraries are now closed, patrons will be borrowing in ebook and audio format for possibly the next 6 months. The case for digital lending rights has never been more compelling. We are also calling for better funding for Australia Council over the medium and long term.
We have been asked about the income tests applicable for determining eligibility for Centrelink income support. You can refer to this helpful table on the Services Australia website to see the income level you may receive, beyond which the Jobseeker payment will not be made. Please be aware that your partner's income will be relevant to your eligibility.
In this crisis, booksellers are among those most immediately vulnerable in our sector, because of the time lag involved in royalty payments. For as long as you can, please buy local, support any initiatives run by your local bookshop and support calls for rent freezes in the retail sector. We'll be ready, once recovery starts, to persuade Australian readers to buy Australian stories and support local bookshops as part of the rebuild.
I wish us all to stay optimistic, kind and resilient. If you think we can help with any questions you have, we are a phone call or email away.
Olivia Lanchester
CEO
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