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A core component of the ASA’s work is advocating for authors and illustrators, whether we’re talking to the industry or voicing creator concerns to government. Read about what we’ve been up to below, and stay tuned to our newsletter for the latest News from the ASA.
On 9 October, the ASA made a submission to the Office of AI’s consultation on artificial intelligence, opposing any proposals to weaken Australia’s copyright law in favour of Big Tech. In the submission we call attention to the offshore theft that has taken place to date, the ways that generative AI technology is being used to displace authors’ and illustrators’ work and dilute the market, and the need to enforce and reinforce our existing laws. Since 2023, the ASA has been calling for government action to ensure that – as a condition of doing business in Australia – AI companies must:
We will share the ASA’s submission once it has been made public by the Office of AI. Find out more about our asks at our AI advocacy page.
ASA CEO, Lucy Hayward was invited to speak to University of Queensland students this month about contracts, author careers and artificial intelligence. Lucy emphasised how important it is for first-time authors to seek advice on their first publishing agreements. While it can be incredibly exciting to receive a publication offer and the urge to sign immediately may be strong, it is vital that authors understand their rights and obligations under their agreements – your contracts are the bedrock of your creative career and have implications for a substantial period of time.
Find out about standard royalty rates, review our template contracts and Guide to AI clauses, seek a contract review by Authors Legal, or contact us via our free Member Advice Service for more.
ASA CEO, Lucy Hayward, joined authors Dr Anna Funder, Dr Charlotte Wood, and Markus Zusak at a Joint Select Committee on AI public hearing in Sydney to oppose weakening copyright law in favour of Big Tech. We were also joined by publishing representatives, Australian Publishers Association CEO, Patrizia di Biase-Dyson, APA Head of Policy, Dr Stuart Glover, and Hachette CEO, Louise Stark.
Our sincere thanks to the authors who generously gave up their time to speak to the Committee about this important issue. We encourage all creators to join the AI fight and write to your local MPs now.
The ASA hosted our final Virtual Literary Speed Dating event of 2026 on 21 and 23 October! It is always our great pleasure to facilitate this event, to meet our members and to hear your strong pitches and the range of stories you’re working on. We will publish a summary of the results of the event in November.
As warnings mount about the existential threats of unregulated AI technology, and we push for government action to legislate and address the offshore theft of creators’ work, we know that the use of generative AI tools in publishing and the book industry is increasing. That’s why the ASA has collaborated with international writers’ organisations to launch a global charter setting out commitments to the responsible use of generative AI services in publishing.
Developed using the UNESCO principles of responsible AI and the CLEAR framework, the Charter aims to define how generative AI services should only ever be deployed in ways that protect and support human creators. This charter supplements the work the ASA has been doing on the development of AI clauses for contracts – to implement guardrails around AI use to protect creators’ interests and their intellectual property.
This Thursday 29 October, ASA CEO Lucy Hayward will attend Sector Sessions: Long Table, a free pop-up co-working and expert advice day for creatives presented by Randwick City Council.
Whether you’re working on a manuscript, pitching a project, navigating your first publishing contract, or trying to understand copyright and AI, Lucy will be available for one-on-one conversations and practical advice at the event.
