The Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to reiterate their commitment to legislating local content quotas for video streaming services.
Responding to the television networks’ opposition to local content quotas, Greens Spokesperson for Media and Communications Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“In response to pressure from the broadcast TV networks to scrap the proposal to introduce local content quotas for online streaming services, the Albanese Government must reiterate their commitment to finally introduce this long overdue legislation.
“I understand that there is another round of consultations underway but I urge the government to provide some certainty to the screen production industry and confirm that legislation is on its way for these quotas.
“Over the past few years, there has been huge growth in the online streaming sector, both in services available and the number of people subscribing to them but regulation is lagging behind.
“Today we have seen the TV networks oppose this important reform. While the networks may oppose the introduction of quotas, ultimately this is a matter for the Parliament to decide.
“With the Coalition opposing strong local content quotas while in government, it is likely the Greens will be in balance of power and crucial to passing this reform in the Senate.
“We are calling for streaming giants like Netflix, Disney, Amazon and Stan to reinvest 20 per cent of their Australian earnings in local content, with a sub-quota of 20 per cent for children’s television. It is vital that all Australians see themselves and their communities reflected on their screens, but it is especially so for children.
“We will not support carve-outs for streamers associated with free-to-air TV, like Stan or Paramount and we will be pushing for the inclusion of measures that allow local Australian businesses to retain significant intellectual property rights and licensing arrangements.
“While the threat of regulation may have prompted streaming services to commission local content in the short-term, quotas are needed to ensure the long-term certainty of the local screen industry.
“I attended the Screen Forever conference last week and the message I heard firsthand from screen producers was just how important these protections will be to future-proof the Australian screen industry and ensure we continue to have rich Australian stories told on our screens.