Broadcasting Services Amendment (Register of Media Interests) Bill 2026: what it proposes

The short answer

Broadcasting Services Amendment (Register of Media Interests) Bill 2026: what it proposes

The Broadcasting Services Amendment (Register of Media Interests) Bill 2026 is a private bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Alex Antic (South Australia) on 18 August 2026. It would amend the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to establish a Register of Media Interests, administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), under which media entities and certain staff and individuals connected with them would have to disclose interests, pecuniary or otherwise, that could conflict with, influence or bias information disseminated by an outlet. As at 19 August 2026 the bill is before the Senate and has not been enacted: it was read a first time and the second reading was moved on 18 August 2026, and no proposed amendments have been circulated.

This is a federal system guide. State constitutions, parliaments and local-government laws can allocate comparable functions differently.

The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.

Evidence review

What the bill would do

The Broadcasting Services Amendment (Register of Media Interests) Bill 2026 is a private bill sponsored by Senator Alex Antic (South Australia), with the long title: A Bill for an Act to amend the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, and for related purposes. It carries Bill Number S23/26 and was introduced in the Senate on 18 August 2026.

According to the explanatory memorandum, the bill would establish a Register of Media Interests to promote transparency and public confidence in the integrity and independence of media organisations operating in Australia. Media entities covered by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, along with certain staff and individuals connected with these organisations, would be required to disclose interests, pecuniary or otherwise, which could conflict with, influence or bias information disseminated by an outlet.

The bill's amendments would be made through Schedule 9 of the bill, which sets out definitions, the operation of the Register, disclosure obligations, enforcement measures and related matters.

Evidence review

Who would be covered

The Register would be administered and maintained by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and would apply to licensees under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, regulated print media entities and the national broadcasters, the ABC and SBS.

Disclosure obligations would fall on media entities covered by the Act together with certain staff and individuals connected with those organisations. Clause 2 of Schedule 9 would insert definitions for the new framework, including the definition of a disclosure entity, which identifies who would be required to disclose.

The interests to be disclosed are described in the explanatory memorandum as interests, pecuniary or otherwise, which could conflict with, influence or bias information disseminated by an outlet.

Evidence review

How the Register would work

Under clause 3 of Schedule 9, the ACMA would be responsible for creating and maintaining the Register of Media Interests. Clause 4 would set out what the ACMA must publish on the register, and the explanatory memorandum says the ACMA would be required to publish all interests on the register.

Clause 5 would impose disclosure obligations on those covered, requiring disclosures to be made within 30 days, and would set out procedures to facilitate disclosure.

Clause 8 would allow the ACMA to suspend operation of the Register with written notice for purposes including maintenance, preserving the integrity of the Register, or preventing or mitigating abuse or criminal activity. Clause 9 would allow regulations to be made for the maintenance of the Register, including the correction of entries.

Evidence review

Enforcement and penalties

Under clause 6 of Schedule 9, a failure to comply with the disclosure obligations within the required timeframe would attract a civil penalty of 250 penalty units.

Clause 7 would make compliance with the disclosure obligations a condition of licence for licensees under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. A failure to comply could lead to suspension or cancellation of the licence.

The explanatory memorandum describes the compliance requirement as a condition of the licence of licensees, with civil penalties applicable for a failure to comply.

Evidence review

Commencement and human rights

The bill would commence on the day after it receives Royal Assent.

The explanatory memorandum includes a human rights statement. It states that the bill is compatible with human rights and does not engage applicable rights or freedoms.

Evidence review

Parliamentary status

The bill was introduced in the Senate on 18 August 2026 by Senator Alex Antic, read a first time, and the second reading was moved the same day. The Parliament of Australia bill page records its status as before the Senate, in Parliament no 48, and lists no proposed amendments circulated.

The bill is at an early stage of the legislative process. To become law it would need to pass the Senate, be agreed to by the House of Representatives, and receive Royal Assent. As at 19 August 2026 it has not been enacted.

The explanatory memorandum for the bill was circulated by authority of Senator Antic and is available from ParlInfo alongside the first reading text of the bill.

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