The Australian Government has set itself a busy agenda of media regulatory reform. It has already implemented several changes since coming to office, however numerous promised media policies remain unrealised. This paper briefly outlines key pieces of media policy and regulation that may be expected in 2026. These include: 

• Online Safety Act reform and a digital duty of care
• News Bargaining Incentive
• regulatory changes commencing in 2026
• gambling advertising
• other possible policy measures including truth in political advertising requirements.

Further action in media regulation may arise from the recommendations of several recent reviews and inquiries, to which the Government is yet to formally respond. Multiple developments in media policy and regulation are likely in 2026, although timeframes for many expected actions remain unclear. What is clear, is that as the Australian media environment continues to rapidly evolve, progress in this space will be of significant interest to stakeholders and the Parliament.