FACTBOX-Where Australia's landmark social media legislation stands

If the Senate does not amend the legislation, it will hold a further two votes in order to pass the bill. The Senate is scheduled to resume debating the legislation in the early afternoon on Tuesday.

Australian lawmakers are expected to hold a final vote on Tuesday on whether to endorse landmark legislation that would force Facebook and Alphabet Inc's Google to pay news outlets for content. WHERE THE LEGISLATION STANDS

The legislation has already been approved by the House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament. It has now moved to the Senate, the upper house. Australian senators began debating the legislation on Monday, with several opposition and independent lawmakers proposing amendments. So far, no amendments have been approved.

WHAT NEXT? Australia's government does not have a majority in the Senate so the legislation could be amended.

If the Senate approves amendments, the legislation will need to return to the lower house, where the government holds a majority. If the Senate does not amend the legislation, it will hold a further two votes in order to pass the bill.

The Senate is scheduled to resume debating the legislation in the early afternoon on Tuesday. Without amendments, it could pass quickly, but a prolonged debate could see a final vote delayed until the early evening. FINALLY

Should the Senate vote in favour of the legislation after the third reading, it must go to Australia's Governor General for royal ascent before it becomes law, a formality.