More Money for Australian Writers and Publishers

Image Credit: Elisa Calvet B.

More than $28 million has been distributed to Australian authors, illustrators, and publishers, as part of the Australian Governments Public and Educational Lending Right (PLR/ELR) Schemes.

The payments, which reached nearly 18,000 recipients, are designed to compensate creators for the free use of their books in public and educational libraries across the country. This initiative ensures that the creative minds behind Australia’s literary works are financially supported, even when their books are accessed without purchase.

The schemes were significantly expanded in 2024 under the Australian Governments ‘Revive National Cultural Policy’ which extended eligibility to include eBooks and audiobooks - a move that reflects the evolving ways Australians engage with literature.

Minister for the Arts, Hon Tony Burke, emphasised the importance of the payments in recognising the cultural and educational value of Australian literature.