Government to Introduce Local Content Obligation for Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months past its initial deadline, the Federal Government is advancing legislation to enforce Australian content requirements for streaming platforms. The new law will apply to services with over one million Australian subscribers.
These streaming services will be required to allocate at least 10% of their total Australian spending or 7.5% of their revenue toward creating new local drama, children’s programming, documentaries, arts, and educational content.
Background and Development
The mandate follows a July 1, 2024 deadline set by Arts Minister Tony Burke in the National Cultural Policy nearly two and a half years ago. This prompted extensive consultations with streaming platforms, free-to-air broadcasters, and industry guilds.
By late 2023, the government sought industry feedback on two proposed models for quotas—one based on revenue, the other on expenditure. Although a Senate committee interim report urged prioritizing the quotas, the deadline was missed.
Delays and Challenges
One significant factor in postponing the deadline was the impact of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). The discussion around the issue was recently renewed when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the "Save Australian Stories" petition from Change.org in parliament.
"Save Australian Stories"
The petition highlighted public concern and reinforced the push for local content rules to protect Australian cultural expression in digital media.
Summary
The government plans new legislation to require major streaming services to invest a minimum share of revenue or spending in Australian local content, aiming to support and preserve the nation's cultural media landscape.
Would you like the summary sentence to be more formal or conversational?