Government to Introduce Local Content Obligation for Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months after the initial deadline passed, the Federal Government is advancing regulations requiring Australian content on streaming platforms. New legislation set to be introduced in parliament will compel streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers to allocate a minimum of 10% of their total Australian expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue to produce new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts, and educational programs.
Background and Development of Legislation
This move comes nearly two and a half years after Arts Minister Tony Burke announced a July 1, 2024 deadline for these local content obligations within the National Cultural Policy. The announcement initiated extensive consultations with streaming platforms, free-to-air broadcasters, and various industry guilds.
By the end of 2023, the government seemed prepared, seeking industry feedback on two possible frameworks: one based on revenue and the other on expenditure. However, despite a Senate committee’s interim report urging the swift implementation of quotas under the National Cultural Policy, the deadline passed without enacting the rules.
Reasons for Delay
The delay was largely attributed to concerns over the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), which complicated the introduction of such content mandates.
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.
"Save Australian Stories" petition brought into parliament by independent MP Zali Steggall.
Summary
The government's move to enforce local content quotas on large streaming platforms marks a key step in supporting Australian culture through mandatory investment in original programming, despite previous delays related to trade agreement concerns.
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