Getting Better Deal For Australian Artists Globally

Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications

Australian artists can expect more money in their pockets when their works are resold overseas, with international reciprocity being extended to a further nine countries under the Albanese Labor Government's Resale Royalty Scheme.

The nine countries are: Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Uruguay. This takes the list of total participating countries to 26.

Under the Scheme, visual artists are entitled to a five per cent share on eligible resales of their original works valued at $1,000 or more in Australia, and the ability to access local schemes in participating countries when their works are resold there.

The extension delivers on the Government's commitment outlined in the National Cultural Policy, Revive, to enhance the scheme to provide royalty payments to artists, including First Nations artists, under international arrangements.

The changes come into effect on 31 March 2025.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the expanded list would give artists the remuneration they deserve.

"We're ensuring Australian artists are properly compensated for their work when they first sell it and on future sales. Just like when you purchase a book or an album, the artist gets a cut each time.

"So far more than $16 million in royalties have been generated, which artists would have otherwise missed out on.

"Our Government is committed to creating a fairer playing field and supporting our home-grown talent both locally and abroad."

The Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artist Act 2009 provides visual artists with royalty rights similar to other creators such as songwriters or authors.

Under the act, auction houses and galleries are required to report resales to Copyright Agency, which determines eligibility, collects royalties and pays them to artists.

To learn more about the resale royalty scheme including additional countries visit | Resale Royalty Scheme | Office for the Arts

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