Policy Briefing — Australia Enacts News Media Bargaining Code
Australia passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Act 2021, establishing arbitration-backed bargaining between platforms and eligible news businesses.
Australia’s Parliament enacted the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code on 25 Feb 2021, compelling designated digital platforms to negotiate remuneration for news content. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission-designed framework introduces compulsory arbitration, data sharing obligations, and advance notice of algorithmic changes affecting news businesses.
- 25 Feb 2021 — Act receives Royal Assent. The law applies to digital platforms specified by the Treasurer, triggering bargaining and arbitration obligations.
- 2021 — Designation guidance. Treasury and the ACCC published criteria and templates for registration, data sharing, and minimum standards.
- 2022 — Review commitments. The government initiated reviews to monitor deals, enforcement, and broader media sustainability outcomes.
Zeph Tech analyses the code when advising platforms on competition compliance, data access negotiations, and media partnership governance.