The Australian screen industry is celebrating a win this week, as the federal government confirms new local content quotas for streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. The change will require major platforms to invest in homegrown storytelling — a move many are hopeful could revitalise an industry struggling against global competition.
What the new streaming rules would mean
Under the proposed legislation, any streaming service with over one million Australian subscribers will be required to devote either 10 per cent of its local expenditure, or 7.5 per cent of its local revenue, to Australian content. This content must fall within key creative categories — drama, children’s programming, documentaries, arts or educational projects — ensuring the investment goes directly into storytelling rather than marketing or imported productions.
The quotas form part of the Albanese government’s Revive cultural policy, originally announced in 2023 and delayed by trade negotiations, but now set to reshape how global platforms engage with the Australian market.
It's a win for industry leaders who have long argued that streaming platforms should be part of Australia’s cultural ecosystem in the same way traditional broadcasters have been for decades. The new quotas promise to create more opportunities for local actors, writers, directors and crew, while giving audiences a greater chance to see themselves reflected on screen.
Not everyone thinks it's enough
While the announcement has been widely welcomed, some advocacy groups are calling for the government to be more ambitious. According to the ABC, Screen Producers Australia has previously recommended a 20 per cent investment threshold, while arts organisations like Save Our Arts have proposed going even higher — up to 25 per cent of local streaming revenue.
Others want stronger definitions of what qualifies as “Australian content”, to prevent big-budget productions shot locally but creatively driven by offshore teams from taking up the quota. They’re also pushing for discoverability requirements, ensuring local shows aren’t hidden behind algorithms or buried by global titles.
When could this happen?
If implemented as planned, the quotas could take effect from mid-2026, marking a significant evolution in how streaming platforms operate locally. For an industry that has endured contraction and uncertainty, the move brings optimism about the beginning of a new golden era for Australian screen storytelling.
Feature image from Priscilla Queen of the Desert, via IMDb.
