Copyright Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Summary

This amendment to the Copyright Act 1968 creates a new 'orphan works' scheme that lets people use copyrighted material when the copyright owner cannot be found, as long as they conduct a thorough search first and give proper notice. It also clarifies that copyright rules for educational teaching apply equally to online and classroom learning, and that non-teachers can help deliver lessons without affecting copyright protections. The changes solve a real problem: thousands of valuable old books, films, and artworks sit unused in libraries and museums because no one can track down who owns the copyright, but now researchers, educators, and cultural institutions can legally use these works while still protecting owners' rights if they later emerge and want payment.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause