Screenwest welcomes Australia’s decision to introduce content quotas for global streaming platforms
Screenwest has welcomed moves by the Federal Government to introduce local content quotas on global streaming services to create a more sustainable future for the Australian screen industry.
On Tuesday, Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke announced that new legislation would be introduced in Parliament to mandate quotas for streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers, like Netflix and Disney+.
The new laws would require streamers to invest at least 10% of their total expenditure for Australia – or 7.5% of their revenue – on locally produced content, including drama, children’s, documentary, arts or educational programs.
Screenwest has long advocated for content quotas to be imposed on streamers to ensure the viability of the Western Australian screen industry and that local stories continue to be told.
Screenwest Chief Executive Officer Rikki Lea Bestall said: “This is welcome news and we applaud the decision in a landscape where it is often difficult for Australian content to shine in the face of global programming. This commitment shows the Federal Government values our screen industry and that local, Australian-made storytelling is a priority. We look forward to learning in more depth how these quotas will work in practice.”
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke said: “We should never underestimate how important it is for Australians to see themselves on screen. It helps us to better understand ourselves, our neighbours better and allows the world to see us. 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. Since their introduction in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows. This obligation will ensure that those stories – our stories – continue to be made.”
