On 12 December 2024, the government announced plans to establish a 'News bargaining incentive' aimed at ensuring large digital platforms contribute to the sustainability of news and journalism in Australia.
The measure is now law.
The incentive includes a charge and a non-refundable offset. The incentive applies to entities:
- that operate significant social media and/or search services; and
- together with their related bodies corporate, exceed an annual threshold of $250 million of Australian relevant digital advertising revenue (exclusive of GST).
The charge applies in addition to corporate income tax and will not be a deductible expense for corporate income tax purposes.
The measure commenced on 27 August 2026 and applies from the 2025-26 financial year.
For more information, see:
- Support for Australian journalism passes parliament | Treasury MinistersExternal Link
- News Media Bargaining (Administration) Act 2026External Link
- News Media Bargaining Charge Act 2026External Link
- Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media Bargaining) (Consequential) Act 2026External Link
- Media release by The Hon Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial ServicesExternal Link
- Media release by The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for CommunicationsExternal Link