Creative and cultural sector gets further copyright support

What's at stake

Who feels it

Creative professionals (authors, photographers, musicians, artists, designers), not-for-profit cultural institutions (museums, libraries, galleries, archives), copyright licensing organisations, commissioned work contractors, overseas piracy targets.

Money in play

TBC

Timing

03 June 2026 (announcement). Cabinet report-back on generative AI copyright framework due 31 March 2027.

How it works

Copyright Act 1994 (proposed amendments).

Key context

Default copyright ownership for commissioned works shifts: creator is now first owner unless written agreement otherwise — check existing commissioned-work contracts for explicit ownership clausesNot-for-profit galleries, libraries, archives and museums can now make digital copies for preservation and public access without permission if copyright holder unknown/unreachable (after reasonable search) — organisations should establish reasonable search proceduresDigital copies made by cultural institutions cannot be used for commercial purposes — licensing and access policies must enforce this restrictionCourts will have new statutory framework to block offshore piracy websites — rights holders should be prepared to lodge blocking applicationsCopyright licensing organisations can now take collective action against illicit uses on behalf of creators — verify your creative work is registered with your licensing bodyDigital rights management protections (anti-circumvention tools) are being strengthened — understand what tools you use to protect online contentCabinet will report back 31 March 2027 on generative AI copyright framework — monitor for consultation on AI training and use of copyrighted works

Wider effects

Generative AI framework explicitly flagged for future copyright policy. Minister to report back 31 March 2027 on whether separate AI copyright rules needed, noting different countries' varying approaches.