I am more pessimistic. Given the result of the parallel imports inquiry, I would be inclined to think that it could go the other way.
If anything, I can see the local publishing industry screaming for even more restrictions - I don't want to give them any ideas, but I wouldn't put it past them to suggest that ebooks available in Australia should not cost any less than the RRP of the Australian published pbook.
That would definitely see me go to the dark side.
jtrappett, the govt is involved because of parallel import laws, taxes, and international free trade and copyright.
re: Harvey Norman, do they honestly think that it has anything to do with GST? When prices in Australia are regularly 2-3 times (ie 200-300%) higher than elsewhere, why do they think 10% would make any difference?
Anyway, thanks kenny for the article and link. I will start writing a submission to them. A good friend of mine (non-reader, sadly) works in that department so I might drop her a line, although I don't think she is in that section.