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 up the News Journalism Payment Scheme, which would hand out any money raised by the News Bargaining Incentive charge to eligible Australian news organisations. Payments would be based on how many journalists an outlet employs, with extra for regional, small and diverse outlets, and set amounts for small publishers and AAP. The debate focused on whether the new scheme improves on the earlier bargaining code and how well it helps small and regional publishers.
Arguments made in support
The Government said platforms profit from Australian news and should either do deals with publishers or pay a charge that goes back to journalism.
Government members said the scheme raises no revenue for government, and payments are tied to keeping journalists employed.
Labor members said a 20 per cent boost for regional, small and diverse outlets would help local news and communities often left out.
The Prime Minister said the bill closes a loophole that let platforms avoid the old code by removing news.
Coalition and independent members supported the goal, and Monique Ryan said the scheme was better than the previous code.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition moved an amendment saying the scheme may not deliver more support than its earlier code, after two years of delay. It wanted a higher charge rate.
Coalition speakers called for stronger tax office powers to check platforms' advertising revenue, and raised concerns about transparency in government-run media grants.
Monique Ryan said AI companies should be included, and that the $150,000 revenue threshold and small grant stream would leave many small outlets out.
Kate Chaney moved amendments requiring a share of deals to go to smaller publishers. The Government opposed them, saying the bill already strikes the right balance.
Nationals speakers asked that regional loadings go to outlets that employ journalists, and for better data on newsroom closures.
18 speeches by 16 members in the House over 3 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
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.