Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Copyright Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025, outlining its two primary reforms. The legislation introduces an orphan works scheme to facilitate the use of materials with unidentifiable owners and clarifies copyright rules for remote and hybrid education. The debate was adjourned without further speeches or a final vote recorded in the provided transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Rowland argued that the bill balances public benefit with support for creative industries. Rowland stated that the orphan works scheme would provide legal certainty for institutions using materials where owners cannot be located, while allowing rights holders to claim compensation if they later emerge. Rowland also explained that the bill clarifies that copyright exemptions for education apply equally to physical, online, and hybrid classes. This includes allowing parents and community members to assist in teaching without infringing copyright. Rowland noted that these changes would not disrupt existing licensing frameworks.