Government to Introduce Local Content Obligation for Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months after the original deadline passed, the Federal Government is proceeding with Australian content requirements for streaming platforms. New legislation set to be introduced in parliament will obligate 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—toward new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts, and educational programming.
Background and Development
This move follows Arts Minister Tony Burke's initial announcement in the National Cultural Policy, which set a July 1, 2024 deadline for implementing these obligations. The announcement triggered extensive consultations with streaming services, free-to-air broadcasters, and industry guilds.
By the end of 2023, the government had solicited industry feedback on two possible models to enforce this rule: one based on revenue and the other on expenditure. Though a Senate committee’s interim report on the National Cultural Policy urged prioritizing the introduction of the quotas, the original deadline was missed.
Reasons for Delay
The delay was largely attributed to concerns surrounding the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).
Recent Developments
The issue gained renewed attention when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the Change.org petition, “Save Australian Stories,” in parliament last week.
“The quotas be introduced as a priority,” recommended the Senate committee interim report on the government’s National Cultural Policy.
Summary: The government is advancing local content quotas for major streaming services to support Australian cultural programming, despite earlier delays influenced by trade concerns.