Vale Michael Webster

January 31, 2025

Copyright Agency is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Webster, publisher, academic, long-serving Board member, and Copyright Agency Chair from 1999-2002.

Michael’s distinguished career in Australian publishing spanned many decades and various institutions. He served as Chair of the Small Press Network and Melbourne Writers Festival, and on the boards of the Australian Publishers Association, the Australian Booksellers Association and the Literature Board of the Australia Council. He was also an Adjunct Profession at RMIT University, where he helped develop the university’s postgraduate publishing studies program.

One of his most notable professional achievements was introducing Book Track (now Nielsen Book Scan) to the Australian and New Zealand marketplace, he was later made principal consultant for Nielsen. He received the George Robertson Award for his dedication and services to the book industry.

His valuable contributions to our organisation have long been felt since his departure more than 20 years ago, thanks to his devoted leadership overseeing digital agenda amendments and pivotal copyright legal cases. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.