Labor figures back book import change

Two former Labor ministers are urging the Abbott government to remove import restrictions that force Australians to pay a premium for books.

Former foreign minister Bob Carr is calling on the coalition to do so on the basis of showing its commitment to free markets and cheaper products.

The Productivity Commission has recommended the restrictions be abolished, a move also supported by former trade minister Craig Emerson.

However, Dr Emerson has told the Australian: "I wish the government the best of luck, because it would need to brace for the mother of all scare campaigns if it went near it."

He concedes Labor shied away from going down the same path in government because it would have faced the prospect of a "massive campaign" by multinational publishers.