A pre-election survey on commitment to public interest journalism drew a mixed response.

PIJI (the Public Interest Journalism Initiative) says it asked major parties about the state of Australian public interest journalism, and welcomed support “from major political parties and key independent members” for the strengthening of Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code.

“Public interest journalism ensures a diversity of voices in public discussion and serves as one of the most important mechanisms for accountable and democratic governments,” said chairman and former ACCC chair Allan Fels (pictured). “Without it, we risk the erosion of the quality of our most fundamental institutions – executive, judicial and legislative,” the 83-year-old said.

Responses also emphasised the work that needs to be done to strengthen and protect the sector from major threats presented by generative AI, social media giants and potential US trade sanctions.

Under the News Media Bargaining Code, major companies such as Google and Meta paid Australian media companies for content use. PIJI says the companies have complained to US authorities about the “coercive and discriminatory” tax, with their framing of the code as an unfair financial burden sparking concern of triggering trade sanctions.

Among responses to the PIJI’s survey, Labor stood by the code, along with its funding commitments towards the ABC, AAP and News Media Assistance Program. The Greens focused on the need for diverse media ownership and accountability, and committed to locking in the restoration of full funding to the ABC via legislation.

Independents Monique Ryan, Andrew Wilkie and Tammy Tyrrell were supportive of the government's current funding commitments to support Australian public interest journalism, but warned more must be done to prevent smaller players in news media from being left behind.

PIJI said the Coalition failed to respond to its survey. However in the final leaders' debate ahead of the election, Opposition leader Peter Dutton – whose party introduced the original framework for the code – said there was common ground between parties in supporting Australian news services in fending off the threat of Big Tech.