News Journalism Payments (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2026

Ms WELLS (Lilley—Minister for Sport and Minister for Communications) (09:12): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Introduction This bill accompanies the News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, which will establish the News Journalism Payment Scheme to distribute any revenue raised by the News Bargaining Incentive to eligible Australian news organisations.

The News Journalism Payment Scheme will support a sustainable, diverse and independent media sector, and forms part of the broader package of bills related to the News Bargaining Incentive. The News Journalism Payment Scheme requires consequential amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. These amendments are necessary to support the creation of the News Journalism Payment Scheme and its eligibility requirements.

This bill provides those consequential amendments. Key p rovisions of the b ill The bill will enable the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to share information with the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, as the administrator of the scheme, regarding changes to the registration of news organisations.

Under the News Journalism Payment Scheme, news organisations will be required to register on ACMA's register of eligible news businesses to participate in the scheme. The provision of timely information by ACMA regarding any changes to a news organisation's registration will support the efficient and effective administration of the News Journalism Payment Scheme.

I commend the bill. Debate adjourned.