Bill
Copyright Amendment Bill 2026
passed, as at 2026-04-01. Attorney-General portfolio.
- Sponsor
- Not recorded
- Portfolio
- Attorney-General
Recorded stages
- introduced — 2025-11-05
- second reading — 2025-11-05
- other — 2026-02-03
- second reading — 2026-02-03
- second reading — 2026-02-03
- committee — 2026-02-03
- other — 2026-02-04
- third reading — 2026-02-04
- introduced — 2026-02-05
- second reading — 2026-02-05
- second reading — 2026-03-31
- second reading — 2026-03-31
- third reading — 2026-03-31
- passed — 2026-03-31
- royal assent — 2026-04-01
Divisions
- The majority voted against an amendment introduced by NSW Senator [David Shoebridge](https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/people/senate/nsw/david_shoebridge) (Greens), which means it failed. Had it succeeded, the amendment would have added the text below to the usual second reading motion, which is "*that the bill be read a second time*" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill). ### Amendment text > *At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate:* > > *(a) notes that the Copyright Amendment Bill 2026 permits teachers to use copyright material in online lessons delivered via platforms such as Zoom;* > > *(b) calls on the Government to ensure that copyright law delivers genuine clarity for educational institutions operating in a modern learning environment by progressing amendments to section 28 of the Copyright Act 1968 to allow lessons to be recorded for a limited period, with appropriate access controls and destruction requirements in place, so that students who cannot attend lessons due to illness, disability, or other reasons are able to catch up; and* > > *(c) notes that ensuring educational institutions are able to operate in rapidly changing digital environments will be critical going forward".* — 2026-03-31, Senate: negative, ayes 16, noes 26
- The majority voted against an [amendment](https://www.openaustralia.org.au/senate/?gid=2026-03-31.184.1) introduced by ACT Senator [David Pocock](https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/people/senate/act/david_pocock) (Independent), which means it failed. Had it succeeded, the amendment would have added the text below to the usual second reading motion, which is "*that the bill be read a second time*" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill). ### Amendment text > *At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate:* > > *(a) reaffirms its support for creators and rightsholders and the fundamental principle that they should control, and be fairly paid for, the use of their works; and* > > *(b) rejects any proposal to introduce text and data mining exceptions or any other provisions that would allow Big Tech to use copyrighted material without authorisation or payment".* — 2026-03-31, Senate: negative, ayes 16, noes 26
Plain-language summary
Written by a model from the explanatory memorandum; not the record, as at 2025-11-05.
The bill would create a scheme for using orphan works, whose copyright owners cannot be found, and clarify that copyright rules for educational instruction apply equally online.
Users would need to conduct a reasonably diligent search, keep a record, and give notice; if the owner later appears, they could seek reasonable payment or negotiate terms.
The bill would also simplify appointments for the Copyright Tribunal, update references to archives, and clarify Crown copyright duration.
- Introduces an Australian orphan works scheme that limits relief against users who meet search and notice conditions.
- Amends section 28 of the Copyright Act to confirm it covers online and hybrid educational instruction.
- Makes minor amendments to simplify Copyright Tribunal appointments, update archive references, and clarify Crown copyright duration.
Users of orphan works, including cultural and educational institutions, researchers, educators, students, and family historians, as well as copyright owners whose works may be orphaned.
Sources
em
em supp
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billhome
frl act