Government to introduce local content obligation for streaming services with more than 1 million subscribers

Government to Introduce Local Content Obligation for Streaming Services

Nearly 18 months after the original deadline, the Federal Government is proceeding with Australian content requirements for streaming platforms. New legislation will require streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers to allocate at least 10% of their total Australian expenditure—or 7.5% of their revenue—toward new local drama, children's, documentary, arts, and educational programs.

Background and Development

The plan follows Arts Minister Tony Burke's announcement in the National Cultural Policy, where a July 1, 2024 deadline was first proposed. This sparked widespread consultations with streaming companies, free-to-air broadcasters, and guilds. By late 2023, the government sought industry feedback on two proposed models: one based on revenue and the other on expenditure.

Despite a Senate committee report urging the prioritization of these quotas within the National Cultural Policy, the original deadline passed without implementation. One significant factor for the delay was concerns related to the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Recent Developments

The issue resurfaced last week when independent MP Zali Steggall presented the Change.org petition titled “Save Australian Stories” in parliament.

"Save Australian Stories" petition was brought into parliament by MP Zali Steggall.

Summary

The government is moving forward with a mandate for streaming platforms to invest in Australian local content, aiming to support cultural representation despite previous delays influenced by trade agreements and policy debates.

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IF Magazine — 2025-11-04