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Part of Negotiations are underway for a coalition government focused on implementing major policy reforms.

How could the political dynamic surrounding digital laws affect the government?

Likely What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Digital law negotiations may force government to scrap ministerial powers The government's legislative plans for the Digital Duty of Care are being significantly reshaped by political pressure. The Coalition has vehemently opposed the proposal, arguing it would lead to political censorship. Conversely, the Greens support the laws but have set specific conditions, including demanding that Australians have a private right of action to seek compensation for algorithmic harms and that fines be tied to a percentage of global revenue. In response to these demands, the government is reportedly preparing to scrap the controversial provision that allowed ministers to add further harms through regulation, thereby limiting the government's own regulatory discretion in the final bill.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Sunday
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How it reaches government

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The Coalition remains opposed to the federal government's Digital Duty of Care proposal.abc.net.au
  • The Greens have set three 'tests' for the bill on private compensation, the scale of fines and addressing the addictive nature of the technology.abc.net.au
  • The government is understood to be prepared to scrap the ministerial discretion component of the bill.abc.net.au
  • The government is also expected to introduce a minimum 30 per cent tax on distributions from discretionary trusts.abc.net.au

Why it matters

The legislative battle over digital safety is a major test of the government's ability to implement complex reforms while maintaining political viability. The government must balance the need to protect young people and hold big tech to basic standards against the demands of its coalition partners and the opposition's concerns about censorship and economic impact.

This dynamic is not limited to digital policy; the government is also facing opposition from the Coalition regarding a minimum 30 per cent tax on discretionary trusts, which they argue will negatively impact small businesses. The government's ability to navigate these competing demands from both its allies and opponents will define the scope and speed of its major policy agenda.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the government be able to pass the Digital Duty of Care legislation through the Senate?
  • How will the government address the Coalition's concerns regarding the minimum tax on discretionary trusts?

What would change this answer

The Coalition shifts its stance on the Digital Duty of Care proposalThe government may be able to introduce the bill with fewer structural compromises.
The Greens withdraw their support for the digital lawsThe government's pathway for the legislation through the Senate could be severely jeopardized.

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The full eventCoalition Opposes Digital Duty of Care; Greens Back Labor's Online Safety Laws Everything aboutgovernment

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.