In brief
The Australian government is set to introduce legislation requiring streaming services with over one million subscribers to allocate at least 10% of their local expenditure or 7.5% of revenue towards Australian content. This initiative is motivated by the need to create and sustain local narratives while supporting the local arts sector. The new requirements will cover various genres, including drama and documentaries.
Australia is to introduce laws requiring streaming platforms to invest a minimum amount of money in homegrown content, the government said on Tuesday.
Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime and any other streamers with over one million subscribers will have to contribute at least 10% of their local expenditure, or 7.5% of revenue, on Australian content.
Legislation will be introduced to parliament this week and will apply to drama, documentaries, arts and educational programmes.
Arts minister Tony Burke and communications minister Anika Wells said the move would help to protect acting jobs. The streaming services have not yet commented.
Burke stated, Since their introduction in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows. This obligation will ensure that those stories – our stories – continue to be made. The legislation was postponed last year due to concerns about its impact on a free trade agreement with the US, but it is now expected to move forward.
The Australian Writers Guild and Screen Producers Australia have welcomed the measure, while some industry stakeholders view it as essential for the future of local storytelling.
Recent local shows that have gained attention include Heartbreak High, Territory, and Apple Cider Vinegar. However, industry experts point out that the creative sectors have suffered declines recently due to the pandemic, emphasizing the need for these new regulations to stimulate production and maintain local narratives.
