The Albanese government has moved forward with the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), first announced in December 2024, issuing a consultation paper outlining its proposed implementation.
The measure aims to compel large digital platforms to strike deals with Australian news publishers under the News Media Bargaining Code (NMBC) or face a higher tax on local revenue.
Treasury’s paper proposes that platforms with $250 million or more in annual revenue from significant social media or search services pay around 1.5% of revenue to news publishers, or a 2.25% charge if they refuse.
The incentive is designed to prevent platforms from withdrawing news content to avoid obligations, a loophole highlighted when Meta threatened to end its deals in 2023.
“The incentive is not intended to raise any [government] revenue, and those entities already engaging in commercial deals should not face unduly complex compliance rules,” the paper states.
Stakeholder consultation is open until December 19, after which legislation will be drafted, with the code set to take effect from January 1.
Media bargaining is back on the agenda under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the government seeks to ensure digital platforms contribute fairly to local journalism.
Source: Mumbrella.
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