Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the consolidation of public and educational lending rights schemes into a single legislative framework. The government argued this update was necessary to support Australian creators and adapt to digital formats. No opposition speakers were recorded in the provided transcript. The debate was adjourned without a final vote being recorded in this excerpt.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on administrative reforms to the Public Lending Right and Educational Lending Right schemes. The sole speaker, Angie Bell, announced that the Coalition would support the legislation, describing it as a sensible governance update rather than a funding increase. She clarified that the bills consolidate the two schemes into a single legislative framework and update eligibility criteria, but do not increase the total compensation pool. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion, with the Coalition indicating its support for the bills.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

3. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
   See who spoke

4. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to consolidate public and educational lending rights schemes into a single framework, formally establishing the educational lending right and extending compensation to ebooks and audiobooks. All speakers supported the bills, with Labor members emphasizing governance modernization and the Coalition noting that overall funding did not increase, while also addressing concerns about artificial intelligence and the low average income of Australian authors. The discussion highlighted the role of libraries in providing free access to culture and the need to update legislation as part of the national cultural policy Revive.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and reported to the House without amendment.

   Read the full summary

5. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

6. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to consolidate the Public Lending Right and Educational Lending Right schemes into a single legislative framework. The government argued the bills modernise support for creators by including digital formats and ensuring fair compensation. The opposition supported the administrative reforms but clarified that the legislation does not increase funding or change payment calculations. The bills were passed after second reading.

   Outcome: The bills were read a second time.

   Read the full summary

7. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

8. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke