News Journalism Payments Bill 2026

A modest majority voted against a second reading amendment motion introduced by Melissa McIntosh MP (Liberal).

A normal second reading motion is "that the bill be read for a second time", which is parliamentary jargon for agreeing to the bill at the second reading stage. A second reading amendment does not change the actual text of the proposed law. Instead, it amends the motion itself and may be used to express an opinion about the bill or related policy, highlight perceived flaws, or call for further action.

Because the majority voted 'No', the amendment was unsuccessful.

Amendment text

That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:

(1) acknowledges the Coalition's News Media Bargaining Code delivered significant commercial support for Australian journalism;

(2) notes that Australian publishers have endured more than two years of delay and uncertainty while the government refused to designate social media companies under the Code; and

(3) is unconvinced that the News Bargaining Incentive Scheme, as currently drafted, will provide more support for Australian journalists and publishers than was delivered under the Coalition's News Media Bargaining Code".