What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill sets the charge behind the News Bargaining Incentive: a levy on the Australian digital advertising revenue of large search and social media platforms, which they can offset by doing deals with Australian news businesses. A government amendment raised the rate from 2.5 to 2.75 per cent. The debate, held together with related bills, focused on whether the scheme would help small, local and independent publishers and whether AI companies should be covered.
Arguments made in support
The government said platforms profit from Australian news and should help pay for it, either through commercial deals or by paying the charge.
Government members said the charge fixes a gap in the old bargaining code, because platforms can no longer avoid it by dropping news.
Supporters said money not spent on deals goes back to journalism, with extra weighting for regional, small and diverse newsrooms.
The Coalition supported the package and the higher 2.75 per cent rate, but said the government took too long to act.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Crossbench members said big media companies could take most of the deals, so they sought a share for small publishers and bigger grants.
The Greens said the bills leave out AI companies that use journalists' work, and moved a motion calling for action on this.
Coalition senators questioned how grants would be checked and wanted opinion writers counted as editorial staff.
Senator Alex Antic opposed the bills, saying they protect large legacy media companies rather than journalism or new players.
31 speeches by 24 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 13 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 18 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 19 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.