AUSTRALIANS could soon be blocked from accessing overseas-based websites that are used to illegally download or stream movies and music.

But record, film and publishing companies will also be urged to look at ways to cut prices so they can meet consumer expectations about the cost of online material.

Internet service providers could be forced to block access to websites in Australia under changes to copyright laws to be announced by the Abbott government today.

People who download material in breach of copyright could also soon receive warnings that they are breaking the law under a planned code of practice that the government wants developed by industry figures within about four months.

Consumers are unlikely to be penalised under the new regime but could find it harder to download movies, TV shows and music for free.

Attorney General George Brandis and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull have written to major copyright holders to urge them to come up with ways to discourage people from breaching copyright online.

If the code of practice is not agreed with 120 days, the government will impose its own rules to crack down on illegal downloading and streaming of material on the internet.

The planned code of practice “will include a process to notify consumers when a copyright breach has occurred and provide information on how they can gain access to legitimate content,” Mr Turnbull said.

The government will also change the Copyright Act so copyright holders can seek a court order to block a website operated from overseas that Australians use to access content unlawfully.

But Mr Turnbull also said consumers deserved lower prices because of the easier access to content online.

“In a world of rapid changes in technology and human behaviour, there is no single measure

that can eliminate online copyright infringement,” Mr Turnbull said.

“The issue of affordability and accessibility of legitimate content is a key factor in reducing online copyright infringement.”

“The Government welcomes recent action by content owners and expects industry to continue to respond to this demand from consumers in the digital market.”