The Australian government has announced new legislation requiring major streaming platforms to allocate a minimum portion of their revenue or expenditure to locally produced content. Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others with over one million subscribers will need to invest at least 10% of their local expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue in Australian drama, documentaries, arts, and educational programs. The legislation, set to be introduced to Parliament this week, aims to safeguard jobs in the acting and creative industries while ensuring Australian stories continue to thrive on global streaming services. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of this move, noting that while free-to-air and pay television already have local content requirements, streaming services have operated without such guarantees. The decision follows delays caused by concerns over potential conflicts with a free trade agreement with the U.S. during the Trump administration. With those concerns now resolved, the legislation has regained momentum. Industry groups like the Australian Writers Guild and Screen Producers Australia have welcomed the initiative, though streaming platforms have yet to comment. This development comes as Australia’s creative sector faces challenges, including a 30% decline in investment in feature films and television dramas during the 2023-24 financial year, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Australian productions on Netflix, such as ‘Heartbreak High,’ ‘Territory,’ and ‘Apple Cider Vinegar,’ highlight the potential of local storytelling on global platforms.