SYDNEY — Australia’s federal parliament has enacted legislation mandating content quotas for major streaming video-on-demand services.
Earlier this month, the national government announced its intention to implement these quotas, which will require streaming platforms with over 1 million domestic subscribers to allocate 10% of their total program expenditure in Australia, or 7.5% of their total Australian revenue, towards supporting local storytelling.
These provisions have now been formalized into law.
The legislation includes significant incentives for compliance. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been granted extensive powers to enforce these regulations. Non-compliance could result in substantial civil penalties, with fines potentially reaching up to ten times the annual Australian revenues of the streaming services.
Arts Minister Tony Burke stated, “We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air and pay television, but until now, there has been no assurance that our stories would be featured on streaming platforms. Streaming services produce exceptional shows, and this legislation ensures that Australian voices are prominently represented. Now, regardless of which remote control you use, Australian narratives will be readily accessible.”
This investment compels platforms like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon, among others, to produce more local content, which may include dramas, children’s programming, documentaries, arts shows, and educational content.
Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, remarked, “Today marks a pivotal moment for Australian storytelling and the music that enhances these narratives. This legislation will provide local composers with unprecedented opportunities to contribute to the next chapter of local screen production.”
The Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025 was passed by parliament on Thursday night, November 27. It is expected to create “substantial new opportunities” for Australian screen composers and music creators, according to APRA AMCOS.
Programs must meet the Australian Content Test Standards (ACTTS) to qualify, which sets the criteria applied to commercial and subscription television services, including post-production requirements in Australia.
The legislation has received support from the Greens and includes an additional A$50 million (approximately $32 million) in funding for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to invest in local children’s and drama programming.
Ormston further added, “Screen music is essential to storytelling; it fosters emotional connections and shapes the cultural identity of Australian productions. The intellectual property developed by our screen composers constitutes valuable cultural and economic assets that resonate with audiences both domestically and internationally.”
Screen Producers Australia has expressed support for the new legislation. SPA CEO Matthew Deaner noted, “Today is a landmark day for Australian screen storytelling.” He highlighted that the organization’s members have been advocating for this change for over a decade, roughly coinciding with the launch of Netflix in Australia. “This legislation establishes a solid foundation for a regulatory framework that addresses the significant changes brought about by digital streaming platforms in our industry dynamics and viewing habits.”
Claire Pullen, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Guild, commented, “This is a transformative moment for Australia’s screen industry. It will provide our members and the broader creative community with greater certainty regarding their careers and the industry in Australia.”
Although the new regulations were initially set to be implemented in 2024, their rollout was postponed due to concerns regarding potential impacts on Australia’s trade agreements with the United States.
