Screen Producers Australia describe move as ‘enormously significant moment’
Australia’s Labor government is to introduce local content quotas on global streamers such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Services that have more than one million Australia subscribers will need to invest at least 10% of their total expenditure in the country – or 7.5% of their revenue – on local drama, children’s, documentary, arts and educational programmes.
Legislation will be introduced via a bill in parliament that will then be scrutinised by both industry and politicians, with the Labor government describing the introduction of quotas as a way to ensure viewers are “guaranteed access to Australian stories”.
None of the major streamers have yet responded to the news.
Numerous countries across Europe have already introduced local quota regulations on streamers, while Australia has been toying with the idea for more than a year.
‘Vital support’
The government said today’s announcement would “give vital support to our domestic screen sector and arts workers by ensuring quality local stories continue to be produced in Australia.”
It follows the commitment given by the government in the National Cultural Policy known as Revive, which set out plans to introduce local content requirements on streaming services.
Arts minister Tony Burke pointed to free-to-air and pay-TV local quota regulations as being a key driver behind local shows and added the streaming legislation would provide a similar fillip to the sector.
“These platforms are having no problem getting their content into Australia. With this legislation we’ll be able to ensure that no matter which remote control you’re holding, Australian stories will be at your fingertips.”
Anika Wells, minister of communications, added: “We want to make sure no matter which platform people are watching, Australian stories are part of their experience.
“Many streamers are already producing great Australian shows like Apple Cider Vinegar, The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Boy Swallows Universe; this announcement makes sure shows like these continue to be part of our national identity.”
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) welcomed the move, describing it as “an enormously significant moment” for the Australian screen industry.
SPA added that while the legislation “will not solve every issue facing the industry”, it represents “a vital and long-overdue step toward rebuilding confidence and creating a more sustainable future for Australian screen production.”
SPA chief exec Matthew Deaner added: “For too long, our local production sector has operated in an uneven environment where global streaming services could reap the benefits of doing business in Australia without contributing fairly to the creation of Australian stories.
“Today’s commitment from the Albanese Government is the result of years of advocacy. It recognises that Australian stories matter, and that they deserve to be seen and heard on every platform.”
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