Nine News Refuses Payment for Bondi Beach Shooting Photos
Photographer Banjo McLachlan, who risked his life documenting the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney on December 14, 2025, is being denied payment by Nine News, which claims fair use. McLachlan, working with Matrix Picture Agency, captured images and video of two gunmen who opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old girl. His photos helped police identify suspects and were widely published. Matrix and Daily Mail billed outlets, but Nine News refused, citing fair use. Media diary editor Steve Jackson and journalist Claire Harvey called the decision theft, noting Australian copyright law requires payment unless for critique or analysis. Nine News has a reputation for taking photos without payment under fair use claims.
Key facts
- Banjo McLachlan photographed the Bondi Beach shooting on December 14, 2025.
- Two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old girl.
- McLachlan's photos helped police identify suspects and were published worldwide.
- Matrix Picture Agency and Daily Mail billed news outlets for use of the photos.
- Nine News refused to pay, claiming fair use.
- Steve Jackson and Claire Harvey called Nine News's refusal theft.
- Australian copyright law requires payment unless for critique or analysis.
- Nine News has a reputation for taking photos without payment under fair use.
Entities
Artists
- Banjo McLachlan
Institutions
- Matrix Picture Agency
- Daily Mail
- Nine News
- The Australian
- PetaPixel
Locations
- Bondi Beach
- Sydney
- Australia