The levy, recommended in a new report concerning digital platforms and the traditional news media, would fund news media organizations as they work to develop new revenue streams. This suggestion follows Meta’s decision earlier this year to stop renewing deals with Australian news outlets under the existing news media bargaining code.
The code, implemented in 2021, required companies like Meta and Google to pay for news content or face hefty fines.
However, Meta’s exit from these agreements prompted the government to explore alternative measures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has supported the idea of social media platforms contributing more to the media landscape, emphasizing their responsibility to support journalism.
The parliamentary committee also proposed establishing a short-term fund to help media companies—especially small, independent publishers—adapt to collapsing advertising revenues. The aim is to promote media diversity and sustain public interest journalism, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Though these recommendations do not yet represent official government policy, Australian policymakers have long exerted pressure on tech giants to support local journalism amid concerns over their influence on information access in the country.
