A re-elected Morrison Government will provide targeted support for regional newspapers to assist them in the face of dramatically rising costs driven by global pressures and supply chain problems that are affecting print production.

From 1 July, eligible regional newspaper publishers will be able to apply for funding to support their sustainability in the face of rises of up to 80 per cent in newsprint prices.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said that this support package was vital for regional newspaper publishers, including in Mallee.

“Regional newspaper publishers in Mallee such play an important role in our local community. They write stories that matter to their local communities and keep us connected,” Dr Webster said.

“Regional newspapers provide a voice for our local community – that’s simply something you don’t get without the presence of a local paper.

“The Nationals understand the importance of regional media and will continue to support our country newspapers through their challenges.”

This package builds on the significant support the Liberal Government has delivered for regional media to date.

This includes $50 million through the Public Interest News Gathering Program and legislating the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code that has seen Google and Facebook strike commercial deals with a wide range of Australian news media companies across the country.

The Liberal Government has also established a new $10 million Journalist Fund for regional media organisations to hire new cadet journalists and upskill existing journalists.

“By having a strong economy, we can continue to back our regions and build a stronger future,” Dr Webster said.