Copyright Amendment Bill 2025

Copyright Law That Actually Works for How We Live Now

Australia's copyright law was written in 1968. Think about that for a moment—before the internet, before smartphones, before online learning became not just useful but essential for regional students, kids with disabilities, or anyone managing work and study. The Copyright Amendment Bill brings our law into the 21st century without undermining the creators who depend on copyright protection for their livelihoods.

The bill does three main things. First, it creates Australia's first orphan works scheme—a way to use historical photographs, letters, recordings and documents where the copyright owner genuinely can't be found after diligent searching. Right now, libraries, museums and schools can't use this material at all, even though it's part of our shared heritage. The new scheme doesn't abolish copyright—it just means that if you've done the work to find the owner and can't, you can use the material. If the owner later shows up, they get reasonable payment and can negotiate ongoing terms. Second, it clarifies that copyright exemptions for education apply equally whether you're learning in a physical classroom or online. This matters hugely for equity—regional students, kids with health issues, and families supporting learning at home shouldn't face legal uncertainty just because the lesson isn't happening in a brick building.

This reform came out of extensive consultation with creators, educators, cultural institutions and rights holders. It's careful, balanced work that strengthens copyright by making it actually work for how Australians learn, create and preserve culture today. As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Music, I'm acutely aware that copyright protections matter to artists and creators. That's exactly why getting reform right—modernising the law without undermining core rights—is so important. This bill does that.