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Australia will introduce legislation requiring digital services to allocate a minimum percentage of revenue in homegrown content, as announced by government statements on Tuesday.

Platforms such as Disney+ along with additional providers with over 1M users must contribute at least ten percent of their local spending alternatively seven and a half percent of revenue on Australian productions.

Legislation will be introduced to parliament this week covering arts and educational programmes.

Government representatives stated the move would help to protect production jobs in the sector. Streaming services are yet to responded on the matter.

'Outstanding content'

"We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air TV and subscription services, however previously, there has been assurance of viewing our own stories on streaming services," an official representative stated.

"Since launching in Australia, digital platforms have produced some extraordinary shows. These requirements will ensure such productions – Australian content – continue to be made."

As reported by reports, the law will be introduced to Parliament in the coming days.

The new production obligations were meant to be implemented by July last year however worries over how they would interact with international trade pacts with the US resulted in the plans being delayed.

The government mentioned challenges engaging in discussions with American counterparts during their electoral process.

Following the U.S. election, there was then concern regarding if the rules might prompt the US administration to implement trade measures targeting Australian interests.

Currently, with the dust settled, amid improved relations internationally, those rules have returned for consideration.

While professional associations applauded the announcement, streamers have yet to issue statements regarding this development.

Back in 2022, streaming platforms published documentation emphasizing their artistic and financial contribution to the country's entertainment sector.

However, some observers interpreted this as strategic positioning in anticipation of coming legislation.

Industry decline

Recent Australian shows available online feature multiple programs spanning various genres.

Similar to other nations, the local entertainment sector experienced challenges recently, partly because of reduced activity throughout the health crisis.

In the financial year recently concluded, funding for feature films and television dramas made in Australia fell by almost one-third, according to industry statistics.