Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026, Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions Bill 2026; Second Reading

French argued that the bill recognises the value of creative work by ensuring authors are compensated when their books are borrowed from libraries. French highlighted that the legislation consolidates the public and educational lending rights into a single framework and formally includes digital formats like ebooks and audiobooks. French pointed out that Australian writers reportedly earned an average of $16,100 in 2021-22, making these payments vital for sustainability. French emphasised that the reforms provide certainty for creators and reflect the modern reality of library lending.

Garland stated that the bill supports Australian creators by recognising that access to books should not come at the expense of those who create them. Garland highlighted that the legislation secures reforms from the Revive national cultural policy into primary legislation, including coverage for digital formats. Garland noted that over 17,000 payments totalling more than $28 million were made in 2024-25, providing meaningful income for many creators. Garland argued that the bill strengthens the framework which has aided Australian creators for decades and ensures it remains fit for purpose.

Holzberger argued that the bill fits within the Labor Party's history of supporting the arts and rejecting cultural cringe. Holzberger highlighted the economic importance of the arts sector, which employs around 400,000 Australians and contributes significantly to the economy. Holzberger noted that the average income for artists is low, around $16,000 to $17,000, and that government support is necessary to allow people to pursue their passions. Holzberger commended the bill as a small yet significant element of the government's wider arts plan.

Lim argued that the bill consolidates lending rights schemes and formally establishes the educational lending right in legislation for the first time. Lim highlighted that the reforms include ebooks and audiobooks, reflecting how Australians increasingly engage with literature. Lim noted that during the 2024-25 financial year, eligible creators and publishers received over 17,000 payments amounting to $28.16 million. Lim emphasised that supporting homegrown authors ensures a diversity of stories and representation for future generations.

Cook argued that the bill recognises the economic value of creative work and ensures fair compensation for authors, illustrators, and publishers. Cook highlighted that the legislation modernises governance arrangements and establishes a new committee with improved appointment processes. Cook noted that the bill reflects the changing ways Australians engage with literature, particularly through digital formats. Cook emphasised that the payments help creators continue their work and ensure Australian voices are heard.

Wilson argued that supporting Australian cultural production is essential for maintaining national identity and wellbeing. Wilson highlighted that Australian writers earn an average of just over $18,000, which does not exceed the tax-free threshold, making lending rights payments important. Wilson noted that the $28 million distributed across 17,000 payments averages around $1,700 per author. Wilson emphasised that while the bill is a positive step, more needs to be done to address the economic uncertainty faced by creative workers.

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Templeman argued that the bill modernises the public and educational lending rights schemes to reflect changes in publishing, including digital lending. Templeman noted that while the programs distribute significant funds, many authors earn low incomes, with the average being approximately $18,000 annually. Templeman stated that the legislation ensures writers are compensated for the cultural value they provide, rather than relying solely on direct sales. Templeman emphasised that the Albanese government's cultural policy, Revive, supports the literature sector through additional funding via Writing Australia. Templeman commended the bill for maintaining fair remuneration for creators in a changing media landscape.

Husic supported the bill as a continuation of reforms initiated by the Whitlam government to value Australian creative labour. Husic raised concerns about artificial intelligence models using copyrighted works without remuneration, arguing that creators should be paid for such use. Husic stated that the current Copyright Act lacks specific provisions for AI-generated content and that big tech companies should not avoid paying for data. Husic argued that regulatory guardrails are necessary to protect creators while allowing innovation to proceed safely.

Miller-Frost argued that the bill consolidates lending rights into a single framework, ensuring authors are paid when their works are freely available in libraries. Miller-Frost highlighted that the average annual income for authors is well below minimum wage, making financial support essential for a thriving literary culture. Miller-Frost noted that the legislation is part of the Revive policy and includes increased funding for Creative Australia. Miller-Frost emphasised that libraries are vital community resources and that the bill balances free access with fair compensation for creators.