Government to Introduce Local Content Quotas for Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months after the originally planned deadline, the Federal Government is set to implement Australian content requirements for streaming platforms. New legislation will require services with over one million Australian subscribers to allocate a minimum portion of their Australian spending or revenue to local productions.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
- Streaming services must invest at least 10% of their total Australian expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue in new local content.
- Required content includes drama, children’s programming, documentaries, arts, and educational programs.
Background and Timeline
The obligations stem from Arts Minister Tony Burke’s announcement in the National Cultural Policy, which set a July 1, 2024 deadline. This triggered extensive consultations involving streamers, free-to-air broadcasters, and industry guilds.
By late 2023, the government sought industry feedback on two possible quota models: one based on revenue and the other on expenditure. Although a Senate committee report urged prioritization of the quotas, the original deadline passed without implementation.
Delays and Influencing Factors
The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) was believed to be a major factor delaying the introduction of these obligations. The topic recently gained renewed attention when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the “Save Australian Stories” petition from Change.org in parliament.
“Save Australian Stories” petition highlights the importance of protecting local content in the streaming era.
Author's summary: The government is finally moving forward with mandatory local content investments for major streaming services, aiming to support Australian culture despite previous delays.