Australia’s Parliament Passes Content Quotas For Streaming Video Platforms
In a significant move for the Australian entertainment industry, the federal parliament has officially passed legislation mandating content quotas for popular streaming video-on-demand platforms. This new law, known as the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025, requires streaming services with over one million domestic subscribers to allocate 10% of their total program expenditure or 7.5% of their Australian revenue towards local content production. The goal is to ensure that Australian stories and voices are more prominently featured on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, which have historically been criticized for underrepresenting local narratives.
The legislation empowers the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with significant authority to enforce compliance, imposing hefty civil penalties for non-compliance that could reach up to ten times the annual revenue generated by these services in Australia. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that it guarantees Australian stories will be accessible across various streaming platforms, thus enriching the cultural landscape. The new rules are expected to spur a wave of local content creation, including dramas, children’s programming, documentaries, and educational shows, which will not only enhance the diversity of available content but also create substantial opportunities for local screen composers and artists. Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, hailed the legislation as a watershed moment, highlighting its potential to elevate local screen music and storytelling.
The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Greens, and is accompanied by an additional A$50 million ($32 million) funding boost for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to invest in local children’s and drama content. This legislative change is seen as a long-awaited response to the evolving landscape of digital streaming, which has significantly altered viewing habits and industry dynamics over the past decade. Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Writers’ Guild have both expressed their enthusiasm, noting that the new rules will provide greater certainty for creators and strengthen the local screen industry. Although the original implementation timeline was set for 2024, it faced delays due to concerns about its potential impact on Australia’s trade agreements, particularly with the United States. Now, with the legislation passed, the Australian screen industry is poised for a transformative era that prioritizes local storytelling and cultural representation.
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
