Netflix, Disney and Amazon required to make Australian films and TV under new rules

The move is part of a five-year strategy Revive, which aims to boost Australia’s arts, entertainment and cultural sectors and provide a place for all Australians, with a particular focus on First Nations voices.

The policy noted the significant increase in audiences watching streaming platforms and stated the government was committed to taking "the necessary action" to ensure Australians continued to "see and hear quality home-grown content, regardless of which platform they are using".

“Changes in technology, and the experience of the lockdown period of the pandemic, have created both opportunities and risks in ensuring Australian artistic work reaches and engages Australian audiences. For example, the pandemic saw an increase in audiences moving to streaming platforms where content regulations do not apply.

“These new streaming platforms are producing some high-quality Australian content. However, unlike free-to-air broadcasting services and subscription television, these services have no requirements to make Australian content available on their platforms. The ready availability of mass content produced in other countries, particularly the United States, risks drowning out the voices of Australian storytellers

“It is important that streaming services invest in key genres, including children’s content, scripted drama and documentaries."

The industry has been pushing the government to apply 20% local content quotas to the streaming giants to ensure they are contributing to and supporting the local production industry.

Details of the policy are still to be negotiated with industry, however, the government plans to introduce the new regulations by July 2024.