Copyright Agency

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Eunice Andrada, winner of the Judith Wright Calanthe Award for KONTRA (Giramondo Publishing), and Lukas Williams, winner of the David Unaipon Award for When the Circle Speaks.

Proudly supported by Copyright Agency's Cultural Fund, these awards celebrate Australian literary talent and support emerging First Nations writers.

08/10/2026

Copyright is everywhere — in the books we read, images we share, articles we access and creative content we use every day.

But what does copyright actually do?

At its simplest, copyright gives creators and other rightsholders certain rights over how their work is used.

Over the coming weeks, Copyright, Explained will break down some of the most common copyright questions in plain English.

08/10/2026

Technology changes. The principle doesn’t: creators should be paid when their work is used.

Copyright Agency CEO Josephine Johnston joined the panel at the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, discussing copyright, licensing and the future of AI in Australia.

Copyright Agency's message is clear: copyright and innovation can coexist. As AI continues to evolve, existing licensing pathways provide a way for technology to advance while ensuring creators are recognised and fairly remunerated for their work.

Watch the highlights from the discussion.

02/10/2026

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has become the first major Australian bank to sign a Copyright Agency Business Licence that includes permission to use Australian newspaper text in workplace generative AI tools.

The licence gives CBA staff clear permissions to use eligible content in AI prompts for tasks such as summarising information or creating workplace documents, while ensuring creators and publishers are paid for the use of their work.

It’s a practical approach to responsible AI adoption that supports innovation while recognising the value of Australian journalism and published content.

Importantly, these permissions do not allow licensed content to be used to train, create or improve AI models.

Read more: https://buff.ly/zGrhGZm

24/09/2026

Architecture and built environment projects can incorporate artwork in powerful ways. A best practice licence helps define how the artwork will be integrated, reproduced, maintained and credited throughout the project.

Learn more about visual arts licensing: https://buff.ly/vV9MFLw

Credit:
Monash University Chancellery building ceiling
Ceiling design incorporating Margaret Preston’s Tea-tree and Hakea Petiolaris (detail), 1936 © Margaret Preston/Copyright Agency.
Photo by Rhiannon Slattery, courtesy of Monash University, Ashton Raggatt MacDougall Architects (ARM Architecture) & Kane Construction.

23/09/2026

Copyright Agency is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of beloved Australian author and illustrator Terry Denton, a valued Copyright Agency member.

Terry brought imagination, humour and joy to generations of readers through his remarkable illustrations and stories. Best known for his long-running creative partnership with Andy Griffiths, including the much-loved Treehouse series, his work became an enduring part of Australian children’s literature.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Terry’s family, friends and the many creators and readers whose lives he touched.

Vale Terry Denton.

Australian children's author and illustrator Terry Denton, best known for his work on the popular Treehouse series, has died at the age of 76, his literary agency and publisher have announced.

17/09/2026

A clear licence supports better outcomes when artwork appears across both merchandise and homewares. It helps define approved products, reproduction quality, sales channels, territory, term and artist attribution before production begins.

Learn more about visual arts licensing: https://buff.ly/vV9MFLw

Credit:
Artists of Ampilatwatja x Art Series Artists Coasters Set of 4 by Latoya Ngwarraye Petrick
(available in Myer)
© Latoya Ngwarraye Petrick/Copyright Agency

10/09/2026

Artwork used in merchandise branding should be licensed with care. A best practice agreement helps define whether the work can appear on products, packaging, campaign assets or brand materials, and how the artist will be acknowledged.

Learn more about visual arts licensing: https://buff.ly/vV9MFLw

Credit:
Jurlique x Lakkari Pitt Mother’s Day packaging.
© Lakkari Pitt/Copyright Agency

09/09/2026

Copyright Agency is saddened to hear of the passing of acclaimed Australian author Blanche d’Alpuget, aged 82. Blanche was a valued author member of Copyright Agency and also served as a member of our Board. An award-winning novelist, biographer and essayist, she made a significant contribution to Australian literature over many decades, with works including Monkeys in the Dark, Turtle Beach and Robert J. Hawke: A Biography. We extend our sincere condolences to Blanche’s family, friends and all those in the literary community who knew and admired her.

https://buff.ly/1Fkq9lB

Blanche d'Alpuget, the Australian writer and widow of former prime minister Bob Hawke, has died following complications from influenza.

08/09/2026

Reading Australia () was pleased to join Australia Reads at Parliament House in Canberra last night, as Australian Ministers, MPs and Senators came together ahead of International Literacy Day to show their support for Australia as a reading nation.

More than 30 parliamentarians attended the Parliamentary Friends of Books and Reading event, alongside Australian authors, publishers, booksellers, libraries, educators and other representatives from across the sector.

The event called for a national plan to increase reading rates and get more Australians reading.

We were proud to be part of the conversation and to support the shared goal of connecting more Australians with great books, stories and reading experiences.

Photo credit: Australia Reads, Ben Appleton/Photox