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

Opened the debate

Green moved the second reading of the bills, stating they consolidate lending rights schemes into a contemporary framework to support Australian creators. Green highlighted that the legislation ensures authors are compensated when their works are borrowed from public and educational libraries, including digital formats like e-books and audiobooks. Green noted that in the 2024-25 financial year, over 17,000 payments totalling $28.16 million were made to eligible creators. Green argued the reforms align with the National Cultural Policy, Revive, and provide certainty for claimants through a unified advisory committee.

Opposition response

McDonald stated the coalition supports the bills as sensible administrative reforms that bring educational lending rights into legislation for the first time. McDonald clarified that the legislation does not increase the total funding pool, which remains capped at approximately $28 million, nor does it alter payment calculations. McDonald noted that while the governance changes provide certainty, they do not address the broader financial pressures facing authors or increase compensation amounts. McDonald emphasised that the coalition has supported these schemes for decades and called for continued dialogue on adequate funding for the creative sector.