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Streaming giants such as Netflix are now being required to invest millions more into Australian content, creating one of the most significant funding and commissioning opportunities the screen industry has seen in years.
However, for independent producers, understanding how the new rules work – and how to position projects within them – will be critical to success.
Here’s what the changes mean, where the real opportunities and challenges sit, and how MDW’s Entertainment lawyers can help you capitalise on the new streaming quota obligations.
What Are the New Streaming Quotas in Australia?
In early November 2025, the Government introduced a bill to amend the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 requiring streaming services (‘Subscription Video-On-Demand’ providers) with more than one million Australian subscribers to invest at least 10 per cent of their total expenditure for Australia, or 7.5 per cent of their revenue, in new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts and educational content.
This means that Netflix, for example, would need to invest around $97.5 million in Australian content based on its 2024 reported Australian revenue of $1.3 billion, with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) reporting showing that the five major streaming platforms – Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Stan, and Paramount+ – are investing hundreds of millions of dollars each year in Australian programs.
Arts Minister Tony Burke said the new mandate closes a gap, extending content obligations similar to those long placed on free-to-air and pay television to global streaming platforms, ensuring local stories remain visible as audiences shift online.
Industry response to the amendments is cautious. One veteran producer, as reported in Deadline, said that while the quota is welcome, “7.5% feels like a low bar when you consider that premium drama series are now costing between $25M to $50M.”
The Issues Producers Need to Navigate
While the legislation increases overall investment, there are challenges producers need to be aware of:
No guaranteed volume of titles
Without hourly or title quotas, required spending could end up going into a small number of big productions instead of being spread across a wider range of projects – reinforcing Australia as a production hub for global platforms.
No mandatory promotion requirements
Unlike European and Canadian models, the bill does not require platforms to promote Australian content. Advocacy group Save Our Arts has warned that this creates a risk that local titles may struggle to gain visibility on streaming platforms, even when commissioned.
What Independent Producers Should Do Now
The new streaming quotas create genuine opportunities for independent producers who approach them strategically. To benefit from the changes, producers will need to position projects in line with both the legislation and the commercial needs of global streaming platforms.
Here’s what we’re advising clients to focus on:
Develop commercially strong projects
Focus on high-concept, genre-driven ideas in the mandated content categories – drama, documentary, arts, education and children’s – that align with the brand identity and audience expectations of each streaming platform.
Pitch with purpose
Approach streaming services with fully developed proposals that clearly demonstrate how your project meets their new regulatory obligations while still appealing to their subscriber base.
Tell distinctly Australian stories – with global reach
Build projects around authentic Australian voices, settings and talent, while shaping themes that resonate internationally.
Structure Projects & Negotiate Successfully with Legal Guidance
MDW’s Entertainment lawyers can help you proactively structure projects correctly, protect your rights, and negotiate stronger agreements as commissioning activity increases.
Get in touch to discuss how these changes affect your projects and how best to position them for funding and commissioning success.
Australian Streaming Quota Changes: FAQs
What are the new Australian streaming content obligations?
The amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 require major streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers to invest at least 10% of their total expenditure for Australia, or 7.5% of their revenue, into eligible local content.
Which streaming services will be affected?
The obligations apply to Subscription Video-on-Demand providers with more than one million Australian subscribers. This includes platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+ and Stan.
How much could streaming services be required to spend?
Netflix’s 2024 local reported revenue of $1.3 billion would translate to around $97.5 million in required spending. Across the sector, the five major providers (Netflix, Disney+, Stan, Paramount+ and Prime Video) are investing hundreds of millions of dollars each year into Australian programs, according to ACMA (Australian Communications & Media Authority) reporting.
What challenges do the new laws create for producers?
There are no volume quotas or promotion requirements, meaning required investment may go into fewer titles and discoverability may still be limited. Industry feedback also suggests uncertainty about the scale of the opportunity relative to production costs.
How can producers position themselves to benefit?
Develop commercially strategic projects in the mandated categories, prepare strong proposals tailored to each platform’s audience, and proactively pitch opportunities that align with both regulatory obligations and business needs.
Why is legal advice important under the new streaming laws?
Producers must navigate eligibility, rights, discoverability concerns and contractual protections. Early legal advice helps ensure projects are structured correctly and protects long-term commercial interests when negotiating with streaming services.
