House debates

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Bills

Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Bill 2020; Consideration in Detail

7:22 pm

Photo of Paul FletcherPaul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the shadow minister for the question. She's right to say that there were provisions dealing with this in the initial draft of the code that was released by the ACCC for public comment. The government took the view that ultimately this code was not the appropriate place to include such provisions. The government recognises that this is an issue that presents complexities for news media businesses. That's particularly as a consequence of a decision in, I think, the New South Wales Supreme Court—certainly a decision some time in the last year or two in one of our courts. There is a process presently underway, being led by the attorneys-general collectively—and I believe it's the New South Wales Attorney-General who is leading that process—recognising that defamation matters are state responsibilities. That is a process that offers an opportunity to consider the issue the shadow minister raised.

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