A diverse group of literary organisations has written an open letter addressing concerns about the Book Council of Australia that was heralded by Prime Minister Tony Abbott last December.
According to Federal arts minister George Brandis, the council will bring all levels and participants in the book industry together to promote Australian writing nationally and internationally. It has been allocated $6 million funding for three years – money taken from the budget of the Australia Council – and was expected by many to have already begun work. The idea for the council emerged from successive wide-ranging government inquiries – the Book Industry Strategy Group and the Book Industry Collaborative Council.
However, there is widespread confusion within the industry as to when the council will be constituted, what its official function will be and when it will start work. Some industry figures said there were programmes and fundings in doubt because of the confusion and delay.
Now organisations such as Affirm Press, Griffith Review, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, Brisbane and Melbourne writers festivals, various state writers centres and other literary magazines have posted the letter online expressing concern at what they perceive to be a lack of consultation: "The BCA's best chance of success will be ensured if ... it engages in consultation and close collaboration with the broadest possible spectrum of the sector as it stands".
The letter urges the council to recognise that many of the smaller literary organisations and publications "not only feed directly into the wider publishing industry, but are critical to sustaining it for both creators and consumers: developing the capacity of writers, publishers and readers; offering skills and professional development programs; and many publication and employment opportunities."
One of the letter's organisers, Sam Twyford-Moore, former director of the Emerging Writers' Festival, lamented that there had been no replacement for the government-funded Get Reading campaign. He said the smaller literary bodies wanted a political voice in discussions and basic consultation. "It's not a snarky or vitriolic letter; we just want discussion".
A spokesman for Mr Brandis said members of the Book Council of Australia would be drawn from a wide range of literary and industry organisations. Further details would be announced shortly.
