The government is allowing digital platforms Google and Facebook to work with the media in producing a voluntary code of conduct to oversee commercial arrangements.

If an agreement cannot be made the government will seek to mandate a code by November 2020.

The government’s new plan includes $26.9 million investment over four years in a special unit within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to monitor and report on competition issues.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher tells Ross Greenwood the companies need to work together to come to an agreement.

“We’re going to ask the ACCC to work with the big platforms to see if a code can be arrived at on a voluntary basis.

“This is about maintaining competition for the benefit of consumers.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty/Chesnot