The Albanese Labor Government is helping to bring more Australian stories to our screens with new laws mandating an Australian content obligation on streaming services passing Parliament today.
Under the new laws, streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers will need to invest at least 10% of their total program expenditure for Australia - or 7.5% their revenue - on new local drama, children's, documentary, arts and educational programs.
A number of streaming services have been producing Australian content of extraordinary quality. We want to make sure that this is guaranteed across all the streaming services.
This support for local stories is bolstered by a $50 million funding boost for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to support the production of new Australian children's and drama content.
The funding will be delivered to the ABC over three years from 2026-27 - enabling more locally relevant programs showcasing Australian talent and creativity to be made and enjoyed.
Together, these measures will give vital support to our domestic screen sector and arts workers by ensuring by ensuring the production of quality local stories continue to be produced in Australia.
The new laws deliver on the Albanese Labor Government's commitment in the National Cultural Policy, Revive, to set local content requirements on streaming services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:
"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.
"Streaming services create extraordinary shows, and this legislation ensures Australian voices are now front and centre. Now, no matter which remote control you're holding, Australian stories will be at your fingertips.
"When I was growing up, there was a production called Catch Kandy that was filmed in my local shopping centre. To see my own neighbourhood on screen was so incredibly important to me. I want Australian children to grow up being able to see themselves on screen."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"We now have so much choice when it comes to streaming content to our TV screens, and with these new laws the Government is making sure that no matter what platform you choose, Australian stories will be there.
"We need more Australian stories told by Australians and this additional funding will help to support local industry and creatives bring what makes us unique to life.
"The ABC remains the largest commissioner of Australian scripted content and this funding boost will see even more locally produced drama and children's content on our screens."
