Abstract
As recorded in NATUBB of Feb. 20, p. 271, a deputation representative of national libraries, universities, professional institutions in Australia and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research waited on the new Prime Minister, Mr. Lyons, early in February and pleaded for remission of the emergency taxation on imported books imposed by the late Labour Government. The revenue from this source in the current financial year ending on June 30 is estimated at about £75,000 from primage tax and £55,000 from sales tax. It was urged that the continuation of these taxes would result in a far greater loss in efficiency to the whole community than a loss of £130,000 would represent to the Government. Book prices are now so high that students are being forced to cease purchasing technical works and to rely more on libraries; but, unfortunately, the libraries are failing them. That in Sydney, for example, was obliged recently to cease its subscriptions to no less that 100 journals, and in the near future it is feared that a further 150 will have to be sacrificed. Other striking examples of the unhappy results of this taxation were quoted. Mr. Lyons, in reply, agreed with all the main contentions of the deputation, and offered slight relief in cases of exchange publications and certain historical materials for libraries. For the rest, he frankly pointed to the disquieting financial position of the Commonwealth and asserted that attainment of budgetary equilibrium is the only hope for universities, scientific societies, and the whole country. The book tax revenue must remain for the present. Sheer necessity is driving the Government to this unfortunate device, and to others also, which admittedly and inevitably will to some extent undermine the efficiency of the nation. Such a reply, while quite understandable, leaves a serious problem to be faced by educational and scientific organisations in Australia.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Taxation of Imported Books in Australia. Nature 129, 500 (1932). https://doi.org/10.1038/129500c0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/129500c0