In brief
The Australian government has announced new legislation that will require major streaming platforms to invest a minimum of 10% of their local expenditure in homegrown content. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the need to ensure Australian stories continue to be told through supported platforms. Following a recent slump in production, the new law aims to revitalize the local creative industry and protect jobs.
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, as well as 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 stated that the move would help protect acting jobs. The streaming services have not yet commented.
We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air television and pay television, but until now, there has been no guarantee that we could see our own stories on streaming services, Burke stated. He expressed confidence that this obligation would ensure Australian narratives continue to be produced.
The new content requirements are aimed to be in place by July last year but were postponed due to concerns regarding their interaction with a free trade agreement with the US.
Amid disruptions in Australia's creative sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, investment in feature films and television dramas has seen a significant decline—nearly 30%—as reported by Screen Australia.
Recent Australian shows on Netflix include Heartbreak High, Territory, and Apple Cider Vinegar.
