Copyright Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading

Coffey argued that the bill strikes a fair balance between recognising creative labour and enabling public access to cultural heritage. Coffey highlighted the importance of the orphan works scheme for institutions in her electorate, such as the Queensland Museum and State Library, allowing them to digitise and share materials responsibly. Coffey also welcomed the clarification of education exceptions, noting it supports modern teaching methods and the involvement of parents and community members in student learning.

McCormack commended the bill as an important technical update that supports Australian media and creators in the digital age. McCormack referenced the challenges facing local newspapers and the need to protect copyright against unauthorised use by large technology companies. McCormack supported the orphan works scheme and education clarifications but urged the government to consider broader reforms, including fair-dealing exceptions for digital content and artificial intelligence tools in schools.

Gregg described the bill as a common-sense update to a complex legal regime that has not kept pace with technological change. Gregg argued that the orphan works scheme provides necessary legal certainty for educators and institutions while maintaining protections for rights holders who may later emerge. Gregg also welcomed the education amendments, noting they reduce the burden on teachers navigating copyright rules for remote learning and support the integrity of educational materials.

Birrell supported the bill, particularly its implications for regional and remote education through the clarification of section 28. Birrell welcomed the orphan works scheme but raised concerns that the exemption for live instruction does not cover on-demand or catch-up learning, which could disadvantage students who miss classes. Birrell urged the government to consider a workaround allowing short-term recording of lessons for educational purposes without breaching copyright.

Clutterham detailed the technical amendments to section 28, explaining how they remove ambiguity regarding online and hybrid classroom settings. Clutterham emphasised that the orphan works scheme includes strict conditions, such as reasonably diligent searches and record-keeping, to protect rights holders. Clutterham noted that courts would consider the nature of the material and use when assessing diligence, with higher standards expected for commercial or culturally sensitive works.

French argued that the bill addresses longstanding problems by introducing a balanced orphan works scheme and clarifying educational exemptions. French stressed that the reforms do not undermine core copyright rights or licensing frameworks but provide legal certainty for institutions and educators. French also addressed artificial intelligence concerns, stating the bill does not create exemptions for AI training and that the orphan works scheme is not designed for bulk automated use.