News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Abdo emphasised the vital role of local and regional journalism in maintaining democratic accountability and community connection. Abdo argued that the new bills strengthen the existing framework by applying a charge to digital platforms while incentivising commercial agreements. Abdo highlighted provisions supporting diverse voices, including First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse media, and noted the 20 per cent uplift for regional journalists.

Birrell supported the legislation but raised concerns about the definition of regional journalism and the lack of continuous data on news outlet closures. Birrell acknowledged improvements won by regional publishers, such as increased offsets for small deals and a higher number of required agreements. Birrell urged the government to direct the Australian Communications and Media Authority to maintain a detailed register of regional news changes to ensure the scheme effectively supports local infrastructure.

Berry argued that the legislation protects local jobs and democratic values by ensuring digital platforms contribute fairly to the journalism they utilise. Berry highlighted the importance of local media in covering community issues, emergencies, and holding local institutions to account. Berry explained that the scheme prioritises commercial agreements but provides a safety net through the News Journalism Payments scheme if platforms fail to negotiate.

Webster stated that the Nationals would not oppose the bills but criticised the government's two-year delay in replacing the previous code. Webster argued that the 2.5 per cent charge rate was too low and proposed increasing it to 2.75 per cent to provide stronger incentives for platforms. Webster called for robust Australian Taxation Office powers to verify platform revenues and ensure certainty for newsrooms. Webster also warned that the scheme must adapt to the impact of artificial intelligence on news consumption.

Thwaites drew on her background as a journalist to emphasise the importance of independent media in combating misinformation and supporting democracy. Thwaites explained that the scheme is designed to encourage commercial deals while ensuring funds support actual journalism through payments based on editorial staffing. Thwaites highlighted the 20 per cent uplift for regional and diverse media outlets and the allocation of funds for small publisher grants.

Ryan endorsed the bill's principle but identified significant regulatory gaps, particularly the exclusion of artificial intelligence companies from the incentive scheme. Ryan argued that the 25 per cent cap on offsets for single agreements did not sufficiently prevent concentration of funds among large media organisations. Ryan proposed amendments to increase the grant stream for small publishers from five per cent to 15 per cent and called for stronger safeguards to ensure payments support journalist employment rather than shareholder profits.

French supported the bills, arguing that the previous code allowed platforms to avoid obligations by removing news content. French explained that the new incentive applies only to large platforms with significant Australian digital advertising revenue and user bases. French stated that the government's preference remains for commercial agreements, with the charge serving as a mechanism to encourage those deals and sustain journalism.