News Journalism Payments Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 13 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Communications introduced the News Journalism Payments Bill 2026 to establish a scheme distributing revenue from the News Bargaining Incentive to Australian news organisations. The legislation aims to support sustainable journalism by funding roles based on journalist headcount, with additional allocations for regional areas, small publishers, and the Australian Associated Press. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the News Journalism Payments Bill 2026 and associated legislation, which introduced a charge on digital platforms to support Australian journalism. Government and Labor members argued the bills ensured platforms paid their fair share and protected local, regional, and diverse media outlets. Independent members supported the principle but raised concerns about media concentration, while Opposition members called for further safeguards. The sitting was extended to allow the conclusion of speeches before the second reading amendment was put.

   Outcome: The sitting was extended to allow the conclusion of speeches before the second reading amendment was put.

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3. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on replacing the previous News Media Bargaining Code with a new News Bargaining Incentive scheme to support Australian journalism. Government members argued the new framework better addresses market changes, supports regional and diverse media, and prevents platforms from avoiding obligations by removing content. Opposition members acknowledged the importance of supporting journalism but criticised the two-year delay in introducing the legislation and argued the charge rate was too low. An independent member supported the bill's principles but called for amendments to include AI companies and increase grants for small publishers. The coalition moved an amendment to express dissatisfaction with the new scheme compared to the previous code.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before the amendment was put to the vote or the bill passed.

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4. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The House of Representatives debated the News Journalism Payments Bill 2026 at the consideration in detail stage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supported the legislation, arguing it closes loopholes in the news media bargaining code to ensure digital platforms contribute to the sustainability of Australian journalism. Independent member Kate Chaney moved a series of amendments designed to guarantee that small and independent publishers receive a share of the funds by imposing specific expenditure requirements on large platforms. Minister Anika Wells opposed the amendments, stating the existing bill already includes targeted support for small, regional, and diverse news organisations through grant programs and uplifts. The amendments were defeated in divisions, with the bill proceeding without the proposed changes.

   Outcome: The amendments moved by Kate Chaney were defeated in divisions, with the result recorded as not passed 11-69.

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5. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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6. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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7. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a package of bills establishing a News Bargaining Incentive to address the imbalance between digital platforms and Australian news publishers. The government argued the legislation encourages commercial deals while ensuring platforms contribute to journalism sustainability, with funds distributed based on journalist numbers. Opposition members supported the principle of holding platforms accountable but criticised the delay in implementation and the exclusion of AI companies. One Liberal senator opposed the bills, arguing they subsidise legacy media incumbents rather than fostering market competition. The debate concluded with the motion for second reading being interrupted.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a vote was taken.

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8. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate
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9. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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