The Morrison Government’s changes to local content rules is a missed opportunity to support Australian stories and local jobs, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for Communications, Media and Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“The Government has failed to deliver real reform today and has let the global steaming giants off the hook. This is a decision that if not corrected will cost local jobs and undermine Australia’s creative and cultural heritage.
“The Government’s reforms to local content quotas must result in more quality Australian stories on our screens, not less. This will only happen if the global streaming giants are regulated properly.
“Without legal requirements on the global giants, our screens and children’s devices will become even more clogged with trashy, cheap shows from America. Our Aussie kids deserve better than this.
“It’s time to ensure the big streaming giants like Netflix, Disney and Amazon who are flooding the domestic market contribute to Australia’s local screen industry, jobs and telling local stories.
“Local stories are important for helping us understand who we are as Australians, what values we share, our cultural heritage and where we see ourselves in the rest of the world.
“For our kids, locally made shows are important for them to see their own worlds reflected back at them, not just cartoon characters eating chilli dogs and speaking in American accents.
“From Bananas in Pyjamas to the legendary Round the Twist, high quality Australian made children’s television has always played an important role in shaping young hearts and minds in this country.
“The Greens will fight for local content requirements on streaming services to be legislated.
“Research shows two thirds of Australians support laws requiring streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to show and fund locally made shows and films – this was a no brainer and the Morrison Government has missed it.”
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