News Journalism Payments Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail

Opened the debate

Albanese argued that the legislation addresses the urgent need to support the news sector, which faces revenue loss to tech platforms. Albanese stated that the bill strengthens the original news media bargaining code by closing a loophole that allowed large digital platforms to avoid obligations. Albanese explained that if platforms fail to negotiate deals with Australian news creators, they will incur a charge, with all collected funds returned directly to the sector to employ journalists. Albanese highlighted that the bill narrows the charge base while increasing the incentive rate, raises the required number of deals from six to eight, and broadens the definition of journalists to include freelancers. Albanese noted that five per cent of incentive funds would be directed to the Australian Associated Press to support public interest journalism.

Government response

Wells stated that the government does not support the amendments moved by the member for Curtin. Wells argued that the bill already achieves the correct equilibrium to aid the viability of news publishers, including small and regional entities. Wells pointed out that five per cent of revenue raised by the News Bargaining Incentive is allocated to a separate grant program focused on small publishers and startups. Wells added that an additional uplift of 20 per cent applies to journalists working in regional and remote areas or in organisations serving diverse communities. Wells concluded that news businesses with low revenue can obtain finance to turn unpaid reporters into salaried staff, making the amendments unnecessary.