[A2k] Australian intervention at 2009 WIPO GA on the SCCR

[Thiru Balasubramaniam]

http://keionline.org/node/610

Australian intervention at 2009 WIPO GA on the SCCR


This is the intervention Australia made on agenda item 25 on the SCCR
at the 2009 WIPO General Assembly. Australia supported the "the dual
approach of the stakeholder's platform as well as examining the
possibility of an international instrument".

"Thank You Mr Chairman,

On the Protection of audiovisual performances, Australia continues to
support the adoption of the draft treaty on the protection of
audiovisual performances. Australia considers that the regional and
national seminars, as well as the recent open-ended consultations with
relevant stakeholders, that the WIPO Secretariat have organised and
facilitated, have proved to be very positive in understanding the
status of various issues and identifying potential ways forward.
Because of this recent momentum and the ongoing importance of the
issue, Australia supports retaining the topic on the agenda of the
next WIPO General Assemblies meeting and would like to constructively
contribute to the work of the SCCR to overcome outstanding issues,

On the Protection of broadcasting organisations, Australia notes there
continues to be divergent positions on this issue. Australia found the
information sessions at the 18th session of the SCCR very valuable in
understanding recent technological developments and the breadth of the
issues from a range of Member States' perspectives. The further
commissioning of a study by the Secretariat on the socio-economic
aspects of the unauthorised use of broadcast signals will also be very
instructive. Australia continues to support work towards a treaty in
this area as we believe an international instrument is needed to
address present and emerging technological issues. Australia believes
discussions in the SCCR should be advanced and is willing to show
flexibility on possible ways of resolving divergent views. Australia
believes there should be an international instrument and hopes real
progress can be made at the 19th session.

With respect to exceptions and limitations, Australia strongly
supports the immediate attention of the SCCR on addressing the special
needs of visually impaired persons under this general agenda item of
'exceptions and limitations'. Australia believes enhanced access to
copyright materials for people with a disability should be a priority.
Australia supports the dual approach of the stakeholder's platform as
well as examining the possibility of an international instrument.
Australia has commenced domestic consultations in this area and will
do more leading up to the 19th meeting of the SCCR so that it can
constructively contribute to next steps. Australia looks forward to
considering the final questionnaire regarding exceptions and
limitations which will now cover issues regarding education, libraries
and disabled persons as well as digital technology, social cultural
and religious exceptions and limitations.

Thank You"

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Thiru Balasubramaniam
Geneva Representative
Knowledge Ecology International (KEI)
thiru@keionline.org


Tel: +41 22 791 6727
Mobile: +41 76 508 0997