SYDNEY — Australia’s federal parliament has passed legislation that will enforce content quotas for popular streaming video on-demand platforms.
Earlier this month, the national government announced it would push ahead with quotas, that would require those services with over 1 million domestic subscribers to invest 10% of total program expenditure for Australia, or 7.5% of their total Australian revenue, to support local storytelling.
Now those points become law.
There’s a strong incentive to play by the rules. The Bill provides the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with “substantial powers” to determine compliance. Failure to do so would see the streaming businesses face large civil penalties, with fines of up to ten times their annual Australian revenues.
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“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,” comments Australia’s arts minister Tony Burke. “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.”
With that investment, the likes of Netflix, Disney, Amazon and other SVOD services operating in these parts will be compelled to create more local content, from drama, children’s programming, documentaries, arts programs and educational shows.
“Today marks a watershed moment for Australian storytelling and the music that brings screen stories to life,” reads a statement from Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS. “This legislation means local composers will have unprecedented opportunities to contribute to the next era of local screen creation.”
Passing in parliament on Thursday night, Nov. 27, the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025 should create “substantial new opportunities” for Australian screen composers and music creators, according to APRA AMCOS.
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Eligible programs must pass the scrutiny of the Australian Content Test Standards (ACTTS), which sets the bar applied to commercial and subscription television services, including post-production in Australia.
Additionally, the legislation has been supported by the Greens and includes an extra A$50 million ($32 million) in funding for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to invest in homemade children’s and drama content.
“Screen music is fundamental to storytelling – it drives emotional connection and defines the cultural fingerprint of Australian productions,” adds Ormston. “The IP developed by our screen composers represents valuable cultural and economic assets that resonate with audiences both here and around the world.”
Screen Producers Australia welcomed the development. “Today is a landmark day for Australian screen storytelling,” remarks SPA CEO Matthew Deaner, nothing the organization’s members had worked “patiently and tirelessly” on the issue for more than 10 years, roughly the time when Netflix switched on. “It finally puts in place a strong starting point for a regulatory framework that responds to the enormous changes that digital streaming platforms have made to our industry dynamics and viewing habits.
Adds Australian Writers’ Guild CEO Claire Pullen: “This is a watershed moment for Australia’s screen industry. This will give our members and the entire creative community more certainty around their careers, and the industry here at home.”
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The new rules should’ve been implemented in 2024 but were delayed over concerns on how they might create a stumbling block for Australia’s trade agreement with the United States.
