Australia: Treasury closes consultation on Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media Bargaining) (Consequential) Bill 2026

On 18 May 2026, the Australian Treasury closes the consultation on the exposure draft Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media Bargaining) (Consequential) Bill 2026. The draft Bill would make consequential amendments to the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977, the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, and the Taxation Administration Act 1953. The draft Bill would provide that the news media bargaining charge is non-deductible and would establish payment, assessment, and objection procedures, including a requirement for liable entities to file a return within 6 months of the end of the financial year. Amounts of news media bargaining charge would be due and payable 21 days after the Commissioner of Taxation issues a notice of assessment. Members of a service group would be jointly and severally liable for amounts payable by the parent entity.