SPA RELEASES POLICY PLATFORM FOR 2025

Today, Screen Producers Australia (SPA) CEO Matthew Deaner released SPA’s Policy Platform for 2025.
“Ahead of the forthcoming Federal Election, our 2025 Policy Platform identifies the three priority areas that we will be advocating for legislative action in the new Parliament,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our highest priority is to ensure Australian screen stories get a fair go through local content rules for streaming platforms. It has been disappointing and frustrating for the industry that this policy has been stuck in limbo land for the past few years, meaning Australian screen stories are getting harder and harder for our audiences to find.
“However, we can’t let other important parts of the industry languish while we wait. That’s why we need to broaden our commissioning base and provide additional funding to critical institutions like our public broadcaster and national screen body, Screen Australia.
“Our public broadcasters play a critical social equity role as they are the only platforms that have a legislated role in prioritising our national identity and serving audiences on a free-to-air basis. Screen Australia plays a vital role in developing new talent and storytelling.
“We also need to ensure our framework of screen incentives is fit-for-purpose to attract investment, keep production local and maximise benefits for Australian creatives.
“In developing these priorities, SPA has consulted with its members and identified the issues that our industry will be putting forward for support from the main political parties and candidates during the election campaign.
“We cannot stand by and watch our precious screen industry fade slowly into obscurity, abandoning decades of creative and technical achievement that is world-renowned. It’s way past time for policymakers to come to terms with the changes brought about by the shift to online streaming platforms that have upended our sector and changed our business forever.
“Getting this mix of policy measures in place will provide much-needed ballast for our industry and put us on the footing needed to survive and thrive,” said Mr Deaner.
Link to SPA’s policy platform for 2025 HERE.