Government to Introduce Local Content Requirements for Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months after the original deadline, the Federal Government is advancing new Australian content rules for streaming platforms. Proposed legislation will require streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers to allocate at least 10% of their total Australian spending, or 7.5% of their revenue, toward developing new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts, and educational programs.
Background and Timeline
The plan follows the announcement by Arts Minister Tony Burke, who initially set a July 1, 2024 deadline for these obligations as part of the National Cultural Policy. This announcement launched extensive consultations involving streamers, free-to-air broadcasters, and industry guilds.
By late 2023, the government sought industry input on two proposed models: one based on revenue and the other on expenditure. Although a Senate committee report urged the prompt introduction of the quotas, the deadline passed without action.
Challenges and Delays
The delay was partly attributed to concerns related to the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).
Recent Developments
The issue gained renewed attention last week when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the Save Australian Stories petition from Change.org in parliament.
“The quotas should be introduced as a priority to protect and promote Australian storytelling,” the Senate committee interim report stated.
Summary
The government’s move to enforce local content quotas for major streaming platforms illustrates a strategic effort to support Australian culture and media production despite previous delays.