Overview
The Australian Government has registered a new legislative instrument, the Public and Educational Lending Rights Scheme 2026, which commenced on 29 September 2026. The scheme is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts and is authorised by the Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Act 2026.
What the Scheme Covers
The scheme sets out how payments are made to Australian creators (authors) and Australian publishers for books held in public and educational libraries. Specifically, the scheme covers:
- How claims are made
- How payment amounts are calculated
- When claims cease to have effect
Instruments Repealed and Replaced
The new scheme repeals and replaces a series of older instruments, including the Public Lending Right Scheme 2016 and all its subsequent modifications through to 2026.
Payment Rates
Schedule 1 of the scheme sets out the current payment rates applicable to eligible creators and publishers for both public and educational lending rights.
Transitional Arrangements
Part 9 of the scheme covers transitional arrangements for claims, payments, and estimates made under the old scheme. Part 9 addresses whether claims made under the old scheme are carried over automatically or whether a new claim is required.
Key Actions
- Australian authors and book publishers who receive public or educational lending rights payments can review the new scheme at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01320 to check whether existing claims remain valid under the transitional arrangements in Part 9.
- Part 9 of the scheme covers whether claims made under the old scheme are carried over automatically or whether a new claim must be lodged.
- Schedule 1 of the scheme sets out the current payment rates applicable to eligible creators and publishers for both public and educational lending rights.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.