The MEAA welcomes new Australian content requirements for major streaming services, describing the announcement as a vital lifeline for the screen industry.
This decisive action by the federal government marks a critical turning point for the Australian screen sector, which has been left vulnerable in the face of a dramatic downturn in local production.
New rules requiring major streaming services to ensure that 10% of total program expenditure, or 7.5% of total Australian revenue, goes towards Australian-made content will deliver safe and secure employment opportunities for actors, directors, and crew members, and support a sustainable future for Australian film and television production.
This announcement is the result of extensive consultation, demonstrating that the government has listened not only to the workforce's needs but also to local audiences, who have made it clear that they want to see unique and diverse Australian stories told on their television screens.
MEAA applauds the government for recognising the critical importance of local content and responding to the overwhelming demand for authentic Australian narratives that reflect our communities.
The union's long-running Make It Australian campaign has been at the forefront of advocating for stronger protections and support for Australian content, and today's announcement represents a significant win for all those who have rallied together to champion our sector.
MEAA will continue to work with the government and industry partners to ensure these reforms deliver lasting benefits for Australian workers and audiences alike.
We look forward to a new era for Australian stories, where our screens are filled with the richness and diversity of our culture, and our film and television professionals enjoy safe, secure, and rewarding careers for years to come.
Quotes attributable to MEAA Chief Executive Erin Madeley:
"The introduction of new Australian content requirements is a critical lifeline, offering hope and renewed opportunity to thousands of creative professionals whose livelihoods depend on a thriving and sustainable local screen industry.
"Today's announcement provides actors, directors, writers, performers, musicians, as well as the talented creative and technical crew who work behind the scenes with the certainty of safe and secure employment in an industry that can now continue for the long term.
"It also proves that when industry unites on what matters, we amplify our impact and create the changes we need.
"We look working in the same vein as we focus our energies on the next steps needed to protecting local storytelling and the safe and secure jobs that underpin the Australian screen industry."
Quotes attributable to MEAA Federal President Michael Balk:
"MEAA members have a long and proud history of campaigning for local content, dating back to the 1970s when the industry united under the banner 'TV - Make it Australian'.
"Performers, producers, writers, directors, and crew members have fought hard to ensure that Australian stories - told by us and to us - have their rightful place on our television screens.
"MEAA welcomes today's announcement as another step towards creating a vibrant and sustainable screen sector that continues to play an important role in Australia's economic, social, and cultural life."
Quotes attributable to MEAA Entertainment, Crew & Sport Federal President Fiona Donovan:
"Today's announcement will be met with significant relief by screen industry workers, who have been operating under increasing uncertainty amid a significant downturn in local production activity.
"Australian stories, told by Australian voices, are lauded internationally as well as at home.
"The new local content quota - although not as high as many would have hoped for - will provide the necessary investment to ensure Australian drama, documentary, children's, educational and arts programs continue to have a place on our screens, supporting those in front of the camera as well as the dedicated crew and technicians whose expertise brings these stories to life."
Quotes attributable to MEAA Equity Federal President Jason Klarwein:
"Australia's screen industry is world-class, underpinned by a talented workforce of actors, performers, directors, writers, creatives, technicians, and crew members.
"The introduction of local content quotas is a significant milestone. It will mean more of our members will be employed for more of the time, telling the stories that contribute to Australia's rich cultural identity."
Quotes attributable to MEAA Musicians Federal President Kimberley Wheeler:
"Investment in Australian content means more jobs for local creative and arts workers, including the musicians who create the scores and soundtracks that are integral to bringing the Australian stories on our screens to life."
