A news bargaining incentive bill, which aims to force tech companies like Facebook and TikTok to compensate media outlets for news content, is scheduled for introduction to the Australian parliament today, 12 August 2026. The legislation follows an agreement between the Labor government and the Coalition opposition.
Under the amended bill, tech giants will be required to enter into a minimum of eight deals with news publishers, an increase from the previously proposed six. The design of the scheme also stipulates that big tech platforms can only offset a maximum of 25% of their levy exposure with each individual deal, a measure intended to encourage a wider range of agreements with different media organisations.
Additionally, 5% of the funds generated by the scheme will be directed to the Australian Associated Press (AAP) newswire service. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the Albanese government is "delivering for journalists and ensuring they get their fair share from digital platforms that benefit from Australian news." Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino described it as a "significant day for the future of Australian journalism."