The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
Reading more with Books Alive
An Australian Government initiative to encourage more people to read Australian stories was launched today by the Minister for Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp.
'The Australian Government is firmly committed to encouraging reading, improving literacy, and the growth of a healthy book industry in Australia,' Senator Kemp said.
'Through Books Alive, Australian writers are given the opportunity to reach the widest possible audience.
'In 2003, Books Alive put more than 280,000 new books into the hands of readers and boosted book sales by almost 25 per cent.'
From 31 July to 15 August 2004 readers can buy one of six books by high profile Australian authors for just $5 with the purchase of any other book from participating independent booksellers and book chain retailers. They are:
- Shiver by Nikki Gemmell;
- White Gardenia by Belinda Alexandra;
- The Shark Net by Robert Drewe;
- Selby the Wonder Dog-containing two Selby favourites, Selby Splits and Selby Surfs, by Duncan Ball;
- Blacktown by Shane Weaver; and
- Au Revoir by Mary Moody.
Also, an exclusive specially branded Books Alive 'buy one get one free' package available at Target and Kmart discount department stores will include a brand new title, Spiking the Girl by Gabrielle Lord.
'This year 800 book retailer outlets are participating, ensuring that Books Alive will reach out further than ever before,' Senator Kemp said.
Books Alive is an Australian Government initiative administered through the Australia Council for the Arts.
For more information visit the Books Alive website at: www.booksalive.com.au
MELBOURNE
30 JULY 2004
Media contact:
Adrian Chippindale Minister's Office 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743
Andy Palmer Books Alive 0419 436 993