Opened the debate
Mulino argued that the bill addresses the economic imbalance where digital platforms benefit from Australian news without adequate contribution. Mulino stated that the legislation creates a charge and offset mechanism, requiring platforms to pay a liability based on digital advertising revenue unless they enter into commercial agreements with news organisations. Mulino emphasised that the scheme encourages deals with at least eight different news entities to support media diversity, including small and regional publishers. Mulino clarified that any revenue collected would be returned to the news sector through the news journalism payment scheme, rather than retained by the government. The member concluded that the reform strengthens the existing bargaining code and ensures platforms cannot avoid contributing by withdrawing news content.