News Journalism Payments Bill 2026

Ms WELLS (Lilley—Minister for Sport and Minister for Communications) (11:28): The government does not support the proposed amendments to the News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, moved by the member for Curtin. Many MPs have highlighted the important role that public interest journalism plays in a healthy democracy. It combats myths and disinformation, keeps local communities connected and supports social cohesion.

We strongly believe the bill strikes the right balance to support the sustainability of new publishers, including small and regional publishers; the continued provision of trusted public interest journalism; and the employment of journalists in Australia. Specifically for smaller and independent publishers, the bill includes that five per cent of any revenue raised by the NBI will be allocated for a separate grant program, with the focus on supporting small publishers and startups to build their businesses and produce news for their local communities.

An additional uplift of 20 per cent will be applied to journalists that work in regional and remote areas for small to medium news organisations and those working in news organisations that cater to diverse communities. News businesses with low revenue will also be able to access funding to convert volunteer journalists into paid employees and to support editorial work conducted by employees with hybrid roles.

For this reason, the government does not support the proposed amendments to the News Journalism Payments Bill move by the member for Curtin. The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Buchholz ): The question is that the amendments be agreed to.