Government to Introduce Local Content Obligation for Major Streaming Services
Nearly 18 months after missing its initial deadline, the Federal Government is advancing plans to enforce Australian content obligations on streaming platforms. A new bill will require any service with over one million Australian subscribers to allocate at least 10% of its local expenditure—or 7.5% of its revenue—toward producing new Australian drama, children’s, documentary, arts, and educational content.
This move follows almost two and a half years since Arts Minister Tony Burke first announced the plan, setting a July 1, 2024 goal under the National Cultural Policy. The initiative triggered extensive consultations with streaming companies, free‑to‑air broadcasters, and creative industry guilds.
By late 2023, the government had appeared close to completion, seeking industry feedback on two potential models—one linked to revenue and the other to expenditure. However, despite a Senate committee’s interim report urging swift implementation, the deadline was missed. The delay has been largely attributed to the implications of the Australia‑United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).
The discussion regained political momentum recently when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the “Save Australian Stories” petition from Change.org in parliament, emphasizing the public’s demand for stronger protection and promotion of local storytelling.
"Save Australian Stories" – Petition presented by MP Zali Steggall in Parliament.
Summary
The Australian government plans to require major streaming services to invest at least 10% of their Australian budgets in new local productions, reviving a long‑delayed cultural policy initiative.
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