The list--which includes works by Nam Le, Tim Winton (who did not attend the festival but whose novel Breath the Coalition said was 'prominantly adorning Sydney's buses' during the event), Richard Flanagan, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, Tash Aw and Phillip Meyer--compares the prices for these titles in Australian bookstores including Dymocks, Angus & Robertson and online bookseller Booktopia.com.au to prices offered by the online UK retailer the Book Depository.com (which offers substantial discounts off RRP and free shipping to Australia).
The Coalition found that the books on the list were between 25% and 40% cheaper online from the UK retailer.
‘Is it any wonder why Australian booklovers are turning to online sales to the detriment of Australian booksellers?' said Grover. ‘It is a growing trend that will definitely have an impact on jobs in the book industry.'
The Australian Publishers Association has released similar price-comparison lists that found some books were cheaper in Australia compared to overseas retailers.
