✦ Plain-English Summary

News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code

What it does

This law forces big digital platforms (like Google and Facebook) to negotiate fairly with Australian news organisations over how their content is used and paid for. It creates a formal bargaining process where news businesses can demand compensation when platforms profit from their articles and journalism.

Why it matters

Australian newspapers have lost advertising revenue to tech platforms for years, while those platforms make money displaying news without paying for it. This law is designed to help local news organisations—especially regional and smaller outlets—get a fair cut, which could help keep quality journalism alive.

Key details

• The law amends Australia's competition laws and came into effect the day after parliament passed it
• It focuses on "core news content"—journalism that helps Australians understand public issues and make informed decisions, not just entertainment or opinion
• The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) oversees how the code works, and platforms that don't negotiate in good faith can face enforcement action

Official Description

Amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to establish a mandatory code of conduct that applies to news media businesses and digital platform corporations when bargaining in relation to news content made available by digital platform services.

Committee Referrals

Senate Economics Legislation Committee; Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.