At least Senator Gallacher is asking about "unintended consequences" with this Bill, but no-one is answering, still only looking at 'news' businesses, not a mention of harm to Small Business if Google bails ARGH! https://www.aph.gov.au/news_and_events/watch_parliament

YAY! Senator Gallacher asked about impact on Small Business, was a wishy washy non-answer from the Government woman.

Bloody good question! Someone from Small Business obviously been talking to him and he really wants to know the modelling on it if Google bails.

Sounds like the short answer is, not really had a look in any meaningful way as to how Google bailing would affect Small Business in the short term SIGH!

Really good way he is taking on Treasury here!

Sounds like Treasury are just using what ACCC gave them.

Senator Gallacher is not happy that there seems to be no dollar value calculated as to how Google bailing would hurt Small Business as all. https://www.aph.gov.au/news_and_events/watch_parliament

FMD! Small Business could be collateral damage, but they have no modelling or estimates on how much 'revenue' would actually help media.

Soooo all this drama and don't even know what the benefit would be

Senator Gallacher with some great questions today. Asking now how many more journalists would be employed if code becomes law.

Surprise! Again, Treasury has no answer for that either https://www.aph.gov.au/news_and_events/watch_parliament

Another good question about why AAP is not included in the code.

Gallacher really asking the best questions I have heard so far in this Senate hearing.

imo AAP not being included blows the whole "public interest journalism" aim out of the water for the bullshit it is.

SHY now asking if Govt has a contingency plan if Google pulls out & Facebook stops news.

No answer from Treasury, just waffle, SHY not giving up asking if there is a plan.

Yeah... think they don't have a plan https://www.aph.gov.au/news_and_events/watch_parliament

OO! getting worse, Treasury woman is really struggling here. Even old mate Rex has popped in with a lecture about when they can 'take on notice'. Going to take on notice to Minister.

Soooo yeah... Probably not a contingency plan, not even asking details, just if there is one

Oh Dear... so asking about Google bailing is a 'hypothetical' and too hard?

WOW! Find it difficult to have much faith in Treasury here.
I know it is difficult for employees at Senate hearings but both these two seem just a little bit too 'arse coverning' here in vibe

Good question from SHY about if Govt has looked into taxing Google & Facebook instead of this code to get same result.

Long winded answer, lot of reference to ACCC.

Two separate discussions, finally answers, did provide different policy tools SIGH!

Of course is part of 'cabinet discussion', so yeah... we won't find out ARGH!

This is pretty terrible performance from Treasury here.

https://www.aph.gov.au/news_and_events/watch_parliament

Now Senator Brag up. Dodgy connection, of course seems like dixers, might be time for a bathroom break - for me - from listening

Rex now asking if contingency plan for Google bailing and the impact on small business.

Just... ongoing discussions FFS!

HAHA! I think old mate Rex thinks that Government or Treasury can work out an 'orderly' withdrawal for Google search nicking off.

Yeah... nah... Treasury rattles off some legal stuff about contractual law.

Any one want to take odds they won't be orderly & just shut down?

I know I am giving old mate Rex a bit here, but at least is asking so decent questions as to what happens if both Google & Facebook follow through with threats. Repercussions for business etc.,

About bloody time too!

Thinking of contracts, that is a bit reassuring how Google would probably not pull out of Australia totally as most of those Services contracts are yearly.

But... doubt would give much notice of pulling search though as those contracts are monthly and all in Googles favour.