Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 April 2026

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

At a glance

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.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tony Burke (Watson) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Burke moved that the bill be read a second time, arguing it modernised the legislative framework for lending rights. Burke stated the legislation replaced the Public Lending Right Act 1985 to ensure schemes remained fit for purpose. Burke highlighted that the reforms would extend compensation to digital formats such as e-books and audiobooks. Burke noted that lending rights payments provided a meaningful income source for many creators, citing average writer earnings of $16,100 in 2021-22. The minister emphasised that the bill recognised the value of authors' work and supported the publishing sector.

Government response

Tony Burke (Minister for the Arts) ALP Watson

Burke explained that the bill consolidated existing schemes to ensure fair payment for creators when books are borrowed from libraries. Burke referenced the historical context of the Public Lending Right scheme established in 1974. The minister reported that over 17,000 payments totalling $28 million were made in the 2024-25 financial year. Burke argued that including digital formats aligned with the government's national cultural policy, Revive. Burke concluded that the legislation strengthened Australia's cultural life by supporting writers and publishers.