Moral Rights in the Australian Public Sector

Moral rights amendments to the Australian Copyright Act present a challenge and an opportunity for large public sector agencies. Their implementation is not straightforward and can be interpreted in a number of ways. Moral rights amendments require a proactive response, as much of the work in public sector agencies is governed by the Copyright Act. The interpretation of the moral rights legislative changes should not only be viewed in terms of implementing legal requirements. The implementation of the moral rights amendments in public sector organizations also requires careful consideration of the corporate culture and objectives of the organization. The legislative amendments can provide impetus for positive cultural changes that improve corporate memory, promote innovation, and provide recognition and reward incentives when monetary rewards are not available or appropriate.