The federal government has today revealed the details of its streaming quotas legislation.
Under the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video-On-Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025, streamers like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video will face new reporting obligations and civil penalties to prove they’re investing in Australian stories.
The Albanese Government says the new law completes the policy bridge between broadcasters and streamers, ensuring global platforms help fund local content.
But the fine print makes clear this is more than a symbolic step, with The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) handed enforcement powers with real financial consequences.
Reporting, not rhetoric
From 2025, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services with more than one million Australian subscribers must file annual reports with ACMA within 45 days of each financial year’s end.
Reports must confirm whether the platform met its Australian content investment target: 10 % of total Australian program spend, or 7.5 % of Australian revenue, and include:
• total local program spend;
• qualifying Australian content investment;
• revenue derived from Australian operations;
• total subscriber numbers;
• an acquittal statement verifying compliance.
These reports must follow ACMA’s approved format, with all data fields completed.
Moreover, SVOD providers with at least 250,000 local subscribers must notify ACMA within 60 days of key operational changes: entering or exiting the Australian market, crossing the one-million subscriber threshold, or submitting previously inaccurate information.
This framework is designed to increase transparency and accountability so that regulators, and by extension the public, can track how much streaming money is genuinely flowing into Australian production.
Daily fines and fast enforcement
Failure to submit the report to ACMA will now constitute a civil penalty offence.
Each day the streamer fails to comply will count as a separate breach, compounding liability. Crucially, the legislation classifies these breaches as a “designated infringement notice provision”, which means ACMA has the power to issue infringement notices directly – without needing to proceed to court.
In effect, streaming giants that delay or under-report can be fined swiftly and repeatedly until compliance is met.
The ability mirrors the regulatory muscle used in the telecommunications sector but marks the first time such mechanisms are being applied to global streaming services.
Still, and here’s the rub, ACMA’s enforcement record raises questions about whether that power will be used.
For instance, in 2025 ACMA found 12 separate breaches of decency rules by the The Kyle & Jackie O Show, yet still appears to be “considering enforcement action” rather than imposing immediate heavy sanctions.
Radio futurist James Cridland tackled the lack of action in a recent opinion piece, writing:
“ACMA has so far found twelve breaches in 2025 alone. ACMA, the wettest of all global media regulators, is currently – oooh – thinking about what to do next.
“ACMA has the power to pull K&J off the public radio spectrum. They have the power to pull the licences for KIIS in Sydney and Melbourne altogether. Or, they have the power to do nothing at all, except wring their hands in an awkward way.”
Cultural protection meets corporate compliance
The content quota itself remains unchanged: streamers must invest 10 % of their Australian program expenditure, or 7.5 % of revenue, into new Australian drama, documentary, arts, children’s or educational programmes.
Arts Minister Tony Burke described the legislation as “essential cultural infrastructure” for an increasingly globalised entertainment market.
“We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air and pay TV, but until now there has been no guarantee on streaming services,” he said.
“No matter which remote control you’re holding, Australian stories will be at your fingertips.”
Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells said the rules would help maintain momentum for high-quality Australian storytelling.
“Many streamers are already producing great Australian shows like Apple Cider Vinegar, The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Boy Swallows Universe,” she said.
“This announcement makes sure shows like these continue to be part of our national identity.”
The bottom line
The Bill signals a new regulatory era for streaming, and with daily fines on the table, ACMA now has both the authority and agility to make sure the promise sticks.
Still, the regulator’s past suggests that effective use of that authority won’t be automatic, or may never even eventuate at all.