Government to introduce local content obligation for streaming services with more than 1 million subscribers
Nearly eighteen months after the initial deadline passed, the Federal Government is advancing with plans to implement Australian content requirements for major streaming platforms. The forthcoming legislation will require services with over one million Australian subscribers to dedicate at least 10% of their total Australian expenditure — or 7.5% of their local revenue — to new domestic productions, including drama, children's programming, documentaries, arts, and educational shows.
The move follows almost two and a half years since Arts Minister Tony Burke first announced a July 1, 2024 deadline for these long-anticipated obligations under the National Cultural Policy, initiating extensive consultations with streamers, broadcasters, and entertainment industry guilds.
By late 2023, it appeared that progress was being made, as the government sought feedback from stakeholders on two potential models: one based on revenue and another on expenditure. However, despite a Senate committee's interim report urging the government to prioritize implementation of the quotas, the deadline passed without action.
Delays were largely attributed to the implications of the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), which was seen as a complicating factor in finalizing the new content rules.
Independent MP Zali Steggall recently presented the “Save Australian Stories” petition from Change.org to parliament, drawing renewed public and political attention to the issue.
Summary
The Australian Government moves forward on long-delayed content quotas for streaming services, requiring significant investment in local productions to strengthen national screen culture.