A Public Interest News Gathering Program worth $5 million will be launched to support eligible local newspaper publishers including multicultural, First Nations and independent suburban newspaper publishers by a re-elected Morrison Government.
Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher told The Australia Today, “The Coalition Government recognises the important role our local newspaper publishers play in keeping Australia’s communities informed. We also understand they are under pressure due to the dramatically rising costs of newsprint driven by ongoing volatility overseas.”
“We will commit $5 million through the Public Interest News Gathering program to support eligible local newspaper publishers with the rising costs of newsprint, including independent suburban, First Nations and multicultural newspaper publishers.”
he added.
Mr Fletcher said the re-elected coalition government will move urgently to deliver the funding, with payments expected to be made early in the new financial year.
“This builds on the $10 million the Coalition has committed to supporting regional newspaper publishers.”
Mr Fletcher said.
“The Coalition remains concerned about the impact Labor’s safeguard mechanism will have on increasing costs for paper manufacturing in this country and the flow-on impacts that will have for the future of our local newspapers.”
Minister for Multicultural Communities Alex Hawke said, “The investment is in recognition of the important role multicultural media play in supporting the effective settlement of migrant communities, assisting with ongoing cultural connection, and to support the sector as it faces significant pressures in rising costs and modernisation.
If re-elected, the Morrison Government further commits to engaging with the sector to support their long-term viability as print and digital publishers, and support their work to modernise and better engage with mainstream advertisers”.
