Screen Producers Australia calls for urgent reforms to protect Australian stories – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has urged the Federal Government to take bold action to secure the future of Australian screen storytelling, warning that local producers are increasingly struggling to compete in a rapidly changing media landscape.
In its submission to the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy consultation, SPA outlined 22 recommendations designed to strengthen Australia’s independent production sector and ensure audiences continue to have access to distinctive Australian stories.
A call for a new era of cultural policy
SPA Chief Executive Officer Matthew Deaner said the next phase of the Albanese Government’s National Cultural Policy presents a crucial opportunity to build a lasting legacy for Australia’s creative industries.
“With the second iteration of the Albanese Government’s National Cultural Policy, we have a real opportunity to expand our ambition for our arts and creative industries leaving an invaluable intergenerational legacy,” Deaner said.
He pointed to the continued growth of First Nations storytelling as a positive sign for the industry, highlighting the increasing number of First Nations-owned screen businesses represented within SPA’s membership.
Concerns over streaming-era commissioning
However, Deaner warned that the Australian screen sector is facing significant structural challenges, particularly in the way streaming platforms commission local content.
According to SPA, the rise of global streaming services has fundamentally altered traditional business models, leaving many independent production companies with limited bargaining power.
“The advent of digital streaming platforms has completely upended commissioning practices in our industry,” Deaner said.
“It is no longer the situation in which Australian SME screen businesses can negotiate commissioning contracts on the fair and reasonable terms that enable them to operate sustainably.”
SPA argues that Government intervention is needed to address what it describes as an imbalance between commissioners, including broadcasters and streaming platforms, and Australia’s independent production sector.
Three principles for fairer commissioning
As part of its submission, SPA proposed the introduction of measures designed to improve fairness across the industry.
The recommendations focus on three key principles:
- Good faith negotiations, ensuring producers and commissioners negotiate transparently and reasonably.
- Fair value, recognising the importance of intellectual property rights and ongoing participation in successful projects.
- Transparency, including greater access to audience data, viewing information and performance metrics.
SPA suggested these principles could form part of a future terms-of-trade framework or be incorporated into Australia’s domestic content regulations.
Supporting Australian stories at home and abroad
Beyond commissioning practices, the organisation also called for greater support for screen exports, new international co-production agreements and increased access to Australian children’s programming.
The recommendations form part of a broader push to ensure Australian stories continue to reach audiences in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Protecting the next generation of storytellers
Deaner said the Australian screen sector has all the ingredients necessary for future success, but warned that policy settings must evolve to reflect the realities facing today’s producers.
“There is much work to do to ensure Australian screen culture continues to thrive and prosper,” he said.
As the Government considers the next chapter of its National Cultural Policy, SPA hopes its recommendations will help safeguard the sustainability of Australia’s independent screen industry for generations to come.
Media Release – SPA
Link to SPA HERE
TV Central Screen Producers Australia content HERE
Screen Producers Australia calls for urgent reforms to protect Australian stories
