Government to Introduce Local Content Obligations for Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months after the original deadline, the Federal Government is advancing new local content requirements for streaming platforms. The upcoming legislation will require streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers to allocate at least 10% of their total Australian expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue to produce new local content. This includes drama, children’s programs, documentaries, arts, and educational shows.
Background and Policy Development
The proposal follows Arts Minister Tony Burke's announcement in the National Cultural Policy, which set a July 1, 2024 deadline for these obligations. This timeline initiated extensive consultations with streaming companies, free-to-air broadcasters, and industry guilds.
By late 2023, the government sought industry feedback on two models for compliance, one based on revenue and the other on expenditure. Although a Senate committee recommended prioritizing the introduction of these quotas in an interim report, the deadline passed without implementation.
Delays and Challenges
- The impact of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) was considered a major factor delaying the legislation.
- The obligation’s postponement raised concerns within the industry and among policymakers.
Recent Developments
The issue gained renewed attention recently when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the Change.org petition titled “Save Australian Stories” in parliament, urging stronger support for local content.
"The quotas for local content must be introduced as a priority," the Senate committee stated in its interim report on the National Cultural Policy.
These measures signal the government’s commitment to strengthening Australian storytelling in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Author’s Summary
The government is set to enforce local content quotas on streaming platforms exceeding one million Australian subscribers, aiming to boost investment in domestic storytelling across diverse genres.
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