Continued the debate
Bell stated that the Coalition would support the bills, characterising them as non-controversial administrative measures that modernise the governance of lending rights schemes. Bell explained that the legislation consolidates the Public Lending Right and Educational Lending Right programs into a single legislative framework, bringing the latter under statutory control for the first time. Bell emphasised that the bills do not increase funding or change payment calculations, noting that the total pool remains capped at approximately $28 million. Bell highlighted updates to eligibility criteria, shifting from tax residency to citizenship or permanent residency, and changes to advisory committee remuneration structures. While supporting the structural improvements, she argued that the title is misleading as it does not deliver increased financial support to authors.