‘A Watershed Moment for Australian Storytelling’: APRA Applauds Parliament Passing Streaming Content Legislation

APRA AMCOS has welcomed news that Parliament has passed its landmark streaming content legislation.

The Communications Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 was passed on Thursday – a historic cultural reform that Screen Producers Australia (SPA) says will reshape the future of Australian screen storytelling.

The bill establishes, for the first time, a national framework requiring global streaming platforms to make consistent and meaningful contributions to local content.

“Today marks a watershed moment for Australian storytelling and the music that brings screen stories to life,” Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, said.

“This legislation means local composers will have unprecedented opportunities to contribute to the next era of local screen creation.”

He continued: “With post-production to occur in Australia, we’re looking at a significant pipeline of opportunities for our screen composers and sync music to play a central role in local productions. This represents a significant platform for growth for Australia’s music creators working in screen.”

SPA CEO Matthew Deaner called the passage “a landmark day for Australian screen storytelling,” marking the end of a decade-long political and industry effort to modernise regulation in line with dominant viewing behaviours.

“It finally puts in place a strong starting point for a regulatory framework that responds to the enormous changes that digital streaming platforms have made to our industry dynamics and viewing habits,” Deaner said, adding that the reform ensures platforms generating “significant revenue from Australian subscribers” now play a structural role in supporting homegrown stories.

The legislation’s passage reflects one of the broadest cross-bench alliances assembled around cultural policy in recent memory.

Deaner offered “deep and sincere thanks” to Minister for the Arts Tony Burke for leading the charge, supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Communications Minister Anika Wells, Minister for Trade Senator Don Farrell and Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong.

SPA also credited Senator Sarah Hanson-Young as a “passionate and long-standing supporter,” noting her role in securing an additional $50 million for children’s and other content for the ABC as part of Senate negotiations.

Acknowledgement also extended to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland for her foundational consultation work in the previous Parliament, as well as key Independents including Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Senator Jacqui Lambie.

Coalition support was also praised, with Deaner highlighting Shadow Arts Minister Julian Leeser, Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh, Nationals Leader David Littleproud and Dr Anne Webster.

Former Nationals Senator Perin Davey was singled out as “a generous and notable friend to our industry.”

Behind the scenes, ministerial advisers, Office for the Arts officials, SPA council members, industry guilds and high-profile advocates such as Marta Dusseldorp and Bryan Brown were recognised for years of persistent effort. “Their collective advocacy has made an invaluable contribution to our screen industry,” Deaner said.

Deaner described the bill’s passage as “a watershed moment” but emphasised that it is “the beginning of a new dynamic phase of investment in Australian screen stories,” not the end of the agenda.

SPA says several unresolved policy areas remain, including those identified in SPA’s 2025 Policy Platform and amendments that did not progress through the House.

Still, with the legislation now enacted and new ABC funding secured, the organisation says the industry is positioned for a reset in confidence, investment and cultural impact.

“While today we will rightly pause to note and celebrate this significant achievement, SPA’s advocacy will continue with renewed energy,” Deaner said. “My ambition for a globally successful Australian screen production sector has a big agenda to go.”