The NSW Nationals are calling on the Federal Government to back the NSW screen industry by implementing Australian content quotas.
The call follows the success of the Australian Children’s Content Summit in Coffs Harbour, where concerns were raised over major platforms not supporting local industry.
The Nationals are calling for quotas of up to 20 per cent for major streaming services, including a sub quota of 20 per cent of available children’s content.
Shadow Minister for the Arts and Heritage Kevin Anderson said Australian children’s content needs to be featured more.
“The NSW screen industry has a proud and storied history of producing world class film and television, supported by an incredible cohort of talented directors, producers, artists, and other creatives,” Mr Anderson said.
“The industry provides jobs for more than 13,500 skilled workers across the state and Australian productions contributed $496 million to the NSW economy in 2022-23.
“The Federal Government needs to ensure that our local screen industry has a fair go when it comes to foreign-owned video on demand streaming services.”
The Commonwealth’s National Cultural Policy, released in February 2023, committed to implementing the quotas by July 1 this year, but the changes are yet to be finalised.
“The Commonwealth Government has committed to improving content requirements on streaming services like Netflix and Disney, but ongoing delays are causing angst for the local industry,” Mr Anderson said.
“We need to ensure Australian culture and identity is reflected on our screens, particularly when it comes to our children, which is why the government needs to regulate streaming giants.
“The Albanese Government needs to act now to ensure our local industry has a future.”
