Overview
- The discussion paper outlines a revenue-based charge of about 2.25% that platforms can reduce to zero by striking deals worth roughly 1.5% of their Australian revenue.
- Every dollar paid to eligible news companies would cut the charge by $1.50, with such payments tax-deductible while any charge would not be.
- The proposal targets social media and search platforms with at least A$250 million in Australian revenue and would apply even if a company removes news content.
- Public consultation runs to December 19, and the government is seeking feedback on a possible start date that could be backdated to January 1, 2025.
- Meta and Microsoft said they will review and engage with the plan, Google declined to comment, and Treasury says the aim is to collect no revenue if deals are made.