Opinion & Perspectives
10 May, 2026
Legislation to level media playing field
Country Press Australia president Damian Morgan said the draft legislation would help restore balance between regional publishers and global digital platforms, ensuring those who benefit from news content contribute fairly to its production.
REGIONAL news publishers have welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed News Bargaining Incentive legislation, describing it as a major step toward securing the future of local journalism across Australia.
Country Press Australia president Damian Morgan said the draft legislation would help restore balance between regional publishers and global digital platforms, ensuring those who benefit from news content contribute fairly to its production.
“This is fundamentally about fairness, but it is also about truth, facts and the future of informed communities,” Mr Morgan said.
The proposed model would require major digital platforms such as Meta, TikTok and Google to either enter into commercial agreements with Australian news organisations or pay a charge.
Mr Morgan said professional journalism came at a cost, with regional publishers employing local reporters, editors and photographers to deliver trusted information.
“Large digital platforms derive value from that journalism, but they do not employ the people who create it,” he said.
The reform builds on Australia’s world-leading News Media Bargaining Code and continues a bipartisan push to ensure global technology companies contribute to the sustainability of Australian media.
Country Press Australia acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Communications Minister Anika Wells and Assistant Treasurer Dr Daniel Mulino in progressing the legislation, along with ongoing engagement from the sector.
While welcoming Google’s continued cooperation with publishers, Mr Morgan said responsibility must be shared across all major platforms.
“No company should benefit from the credibility and public value of professional news while avoiding a fair contribution,” he said.
The organisation stressed the importance of ensuring the legislation encourages genuine commercial agreements without reducing access to trusted news.
“At a time of rising misinformation, Australians need more access to facts, not less,” Mr Morgan said.
The issue is particularly significant for regional communities, where local media outlets are often the only professional source of verified information.
Country Press Australia members collectively publish more than 1000 news stories online each day, covering councils, courts, emergency services, agriculture, sport and community life.
Mr Morgan said the loss of local journalism would leave communities without accountability or a reliable public record. “The choice is not simply between local news and no local news,” he said.
“It is between trusted journalism and an information vacuum.”
Country Press Australia is urging all sides of politics to support the legislation, warning regional voices must not be overlooked.
“Regional Australians must not be treated as an afterthought,” Mr Morgan said.
“This reform is about protecting local journalism, strengthening democracy and ensuring communities continue to have a voice.”
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