Changes to Authors' Fund welcomed

May 22,  2008

Press Release

Changes to Authors' Fund welcomed

Government  moves to restructure the  former Authors' Fund and  increase   assistance  to  authors  is  great  news, says  Society of Authors' President Paul Smith.

He welcomed the $500,000 top-up to the Fund which is now to be known as the Public Lending Right.  

"But  the  most significant  measure is the proposal  for a shift  from Creative New Zealand to a  new  form of  administration " said  Mr Smith.  He hoped this would return a greater degree of   author control and representation in the scheme, which compensates writers for the use of their works in libraries. 

Mr Smith welcomed the Prime Minister's willingness to listen and to make long overdue  changes, including the  new name which he said  reflects the  present emphasis on rights.

"The whole package recognises and rewards authors' intellectual property" he said. 

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