Streaming Services Required to Produce Australian Content in New Regulation

The Australian government is pushing ahead with laws to require streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime to produce more Australian content. This move was delayed last year over concerns about trade agreements with the US, but now it’s back on track.

Under the new legislation set to be introduced this week, streaming platforms with over 1 million Australian subscribers will need to create Australian drama, children’s, documentary, arts, or educational programs. They must allocate a minimum of 10 per cent of their local expenditure or 7.5 per cent of revenue to Australian content.

Arts Minister Tony Burke and Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the importance of supporting the arts industry and protecting acting jobs. They believe that Australian stories, like the beloved children’s program Bluey, deserve to be shared not only within the country but also around the world.

Initially, these “local content requirements” were delayed due to concerns about potential conflicts with US trade agreements. However, now that the political landscape has shifted, the government is moving forward with these regulations to ensure that Australian voices and stories are represented on streaming platforms.

By mandating that streaming services produce Australian content, the government aims to preserve and promote local storytelling, ensuring that viewers across different platforms can experience the richness of Australian storytelling.