Save the book bunch turns the page on the digital challenge

Major brain, former ALP president and quiz show whiz, Barry Jones takes on the fate of the Australian book industry at the head of the high-powered Book Industry Strategy Group.

Headed by Jones AO, the group’s line-up includes Philip Andersen, CEO, Printing Industries, Alan Fahy, CEO, Mcphersons and Lorraine Cassin, AMWU. The initiative was unveiled by innovation minister, senator Kim Carr (pictured) at the Worldwide University Network this week.

Carr first announced the BISG in February this year. A total of 14 members have been appointed to the group.  It includes representatives from across the book supply chain, including trade; educational and scholarly publishers; booksellers; printers; authors; unions and experts in copyright and information technology.

“The ongoing health of the Australian book industry is vital. It plays a crucial role in defining our culture and facilitating the creation and dissemination of new ideas,” Carr said.

“The industry also makes a substantial contribution to the Australian economy and provides jobs and security for authors, publishers, printers and retailers.”

Philip Andersen believes that the group has the power to address issues that affect and are of interest to the printing industry. “The BISG represents a positive outcome from what we have been fighting on over the past two years. We have been pushing for an industry development plan which is what this group will do,” he said.

“The fact that they have a high profile person chairing it is pleasing because it elevates the group to a level that may generate some broader community interest.”

Carr warned those in the traditional publishing and communication industries not to dismiss digital technology. “We must seize the opportunities the digital revolution is offering and develop innovative solutions to challenges the industry is now facing,” he said.

“The BISG will examine how the industry must evolve in order to prosper in the new digital landscape and develop business models to effectively integrate digital and traditional printed book production.”