Applications for the Albanese Government’s $15 million Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers Program open today, Monday 1 August 2022, via the GrantConnect website.

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP welcomed the support for local newspapers as delivering on Labor’s commitment to support eligible print publishers absorb newsprint price increases, which threaten the sustainability of newspapers and journalism jobs across Australia.

“In regional areas like ours, local newspapers are absolutely critical. We saw this first hand during the bushfires and the floods - our local media was there telling our stories and keeping people informed,” Fiona Phillips said.

“But we know how much regional newspapers have been struggling across the country, so I am really delighted to see some support for local media finally being delivered,” she said.

Under the program, $10 million is available for eligible regional newspaper publishers, and $5 million for eligible independent suburban, First Nations and multicultural newspaper publishers.

This is part of a $29 million local news and community broadcasting transition package to help regional, local and community media providers.

After a decade of mismanagement and neglect under the former Liberal National Government, the Albanese Government will support local news and local journalism jobs.

“When significant price increases in newsprint kicked in on 1 July this year, we moved quickly to finalise the grant guidelines and open applications, so that funding can flow to where it’s needed most as soon as possible.” Mrs Phillips said.

“I encourage all our local media providers to apply as soon as possible.” she said.

Applications will be open for 3 weeks from 9am AEST Monday 1 August 2022 until 5pm AEST Friday 19 August 2022.

This is a demand-driven program, with all eligible applicants to receive a grant based on their proportion of print costs. The Department is the final decision-maker for grants under this program.

To find out how apply for a grant, visit www.grants.gov.au/

For more information visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/regional-and-local-newspaper-publishers-program