Australia budget delivers $21.4 million media boost, gambling crackdown and social support

The Australian Government has committed $21.4 million in the 26- 27 Budget to strengthen local news, support media regulation reform and provide relief for free to air broadcasters through a temporary suspension of the commercial broadcasting tax. Funding has also been allocated to the Australian Associated Press to help sustain national news services. Darren Woolley from TrinityP3 breaks down the key measures and what they mean for Australia’s media landscape, including funding distribution, regulatory reforms and the impact on major networks and public interest journalism. Beyond media, the Budget also targets online gambling harms with stronger consumer protection measures, expanded public awareness campaigns and increased enforcement powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority. It also includes support for gender based violence initiatives and improved accessibility services for deaf Auslan users.