Media release - Government missing in action on news media bargaining code to protect Australian content

Melissa McIntosh MP
Shadow Minister for Communications
Shadow Minister for Women
Federal Member for Lindsay

23 June 2025

Government missing in action on news media bargaining code to protect Australian content

Local and interest-based journalism is key to a functioning democracy.

Yet the Albanese Labor Government has failed to ensure publications are protected from the tech giants with no on-going deal from the US on the News Media Bargaining Code and no details on its News Bargaining Initiative.

Today’s media reports that Google will end its payment agreement with Public Interest Publishers Alliance is a backwards step in ensuring the continuity of twenty-four informative publications including Australian Rural and Regional News, The Australian Jewish News, The Greek Herald, Indian Link, Australian Chinese Daily, Star Observer, Renew Economy and Hills to Hawkesbury.

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP said, “the Albanese Labor Government’s inability to get the News Media Bargaining Code renewals with tech giants over the line for more than a year will cause additional publications to lose millions of dollars and potentially see them close.”

“The Code was meant to be world-leading competition policy; however, it is caught in the US tariff dispute and Labor’s slow approach is harming Australian media outlets.

“The Australian media industry is still waiting on the government to release details on the ‘news bargaining incentive’ announced in December, which would encourage platforms to enter or renew commercial deals.

“Google must recognise the dramatic impact the early ending of its contract is going to have on local and interest-based publications across Australia.

“It is right to question why Google is not continuing its contract with Public Interest Publishers Alliance publications through till its completion at the end of 2027. These publications were relying on the contracted funding to maintain quality journalism and staff.

“Australia needs to continue to have quality local and interest-based publications to tell the stories of multicultural communities, businesses and regions.”