Key recommendations relating to the screen sector titled under a Sculpting a National Cultural Plan have been welcomed by the SPA.
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) welcomes the release of a landmark Parliamentary report into Australia’s arts and cultural institutions, and the clear recommendation for a 20% Australian content safeguard on streaming video services.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts has released the report of its inquiry, titled Sculpting a National Cultural Plan, and it includes two key recommendations relating to the screen sector.
- Advertisement -
Firstly, it recommends that streaming video platforms be required to spend 20% of locally sourced revenue on Australian content. Secondly, it recommends that 20% of that 20% be required to be spent on Australian children’s content and drama.
Matthew Deaner, CEO of SPA, said:
“SPA welcomes the findings of the inquiry, which took a detailed and considered look at the importance of the sector to the country’s cultural, social and economic well-being, the impact of the pandemic, and what steps are necessary to ensure success into the future.
“We would like to thank the Parliamentarians on the Committee for their diligent exploration and consideration of the issues and the thoughtful response to the full scope of factors in play.
“In particular, the report recognises that Australia’s screen sector is a major cultural industry which creates jobs, promotes Australia to audiences overseas and is a ‘nation-building asset’. The importance of screen content production to regional economies, in terms of local investment, showcasing regions and encouraging future tourism is also a highlight of the report, as is the recognition of the cultural and economic power of Australian children’s content.
“Of critical importance, however, is future-proofing the regulatory environment for the sector, and this is explicitly supported by the landmark recommendation for a 20% Australian content expenditure requirement on streaming services.
“This is in line with the SPA proposal, and will create 10,000 local jobs, $360 million in new investment and 300 hours of great Australian content for audiences, on the platforms they are using.
“A safeguard at this level will keep us competitive internationally with markets such as France and Italy, which have implemented or announced 20-25% safeguards. Canada is also considering a quota at this level.
“We also know that such a measure would be popular with Australians, who in recent polling expressed majority support for a 20% safeguard for streaming platforms in Australia. “With the release of this report the time is ripe for Government action, and we look forward to the release of the Minister’s response to the Media Reform Green Paper and a transition into conditions of certainty and growth.”
- Advertisement -
