The federal government has drafted legislation to establish the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), first proposed in late 2024, with Australia's major news organisations throwing their support behind the move.
"Journalists are the lifeblood of Australia's media sector, playing a vital role in keeping communities informed about the news that matters to them," said Prime Minister Albanese.
The legislation, now available for consultation, addresses a gap in the News Media Bargaining Code that has allowed digital platforms to avoid paying for content by removing news from their services.
Under the NBI, digital platforms, including social media and search services, would be encouraged to do commercial deals with eligible news publishers, with 'generous' offsets provided to reduce liabilities.
Platforms that choose not to partner with the news outlets would face a charge of 2.25% on their Australian revenue if it exceeds $250 million, with charges collected redistributed back to into the news media sector.
ABC, Nine, News Corp, ACM, Ten, The Guardian, SCA/Seven and SBS signed a joint statement saying the legislation is critical to Australian democracy.
"The vibrancy of Australian democracy relies on the robust and open exchange of news, views and opinions. This is under threat," the statement said.
"By prioritising commercial deals this legislation protects our democratic way of life.
"It has been more than two years since Meta walked away from previous deals and almost 18 months since the government announced the NBI.
"While Google has been positive about doing deals, others need to come to the table, and all platforms need to step up.
"We urge all parliamentarians to support safeguarding Australian journalism and the vital role it plays in our democracy, for all Australians."
The statement was signed by Hugh Marks, managing director at ABC, Tony Kendall, managing director at Australian Community Media, Michael Miller, executive chairman at News Corp Australasia, Matt Stanton, CEO and managing director at Nine Entertainment Co, Beverley McGarvey, president at Network Ten, Jane Palfreyman, acting managing director at SBS, Rohan Lund, CEO and managing director at Southern Cross Media Group, and Rebecca Costello, managing director at The Guardian Australia.
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