Netflix transfers more than $1bn of its yearly revenue made in Australia overseas, to avoid a larger tax bill, the Financial Review reports.
It’s the biggest streaming service in the world, making $1.47b in subscription fees just in Australia in 2025. But the streaming giant has now been revealed to be sending $1.35 billion of that sum as “distribution fees” off-shore.
Sky News reports that Netflix Australia’s revenue in 2025 was $119 million, while recording a $20 million profit.
There is no implication that this is a an inappropriate business move, but the data is useful as the government pushes for more locally-made content from the company.
The news comes after last week’s revelation that Netflix subscribers are paying more, despite being served less original content.
Data compiled by Netflix & Chiffres, reported by What’s on Netflix, found Netflix released 23 original films globally in the first quarter of 2026, its lowest Q1 film output since 2018.
The figure marks a sharp fall from the first quarter of 2022, when Netflix released 50 original films. It also comes as streaming platforms face growing scrutiny over price rises, password-sharing restrictions and the value equation for subscribers.
Kylie Minogue in ‘Kylie’ has been a major winner for Netflix this year. Image: Netflix
Netflix charges more for subscriptions
The shift does not mean Netflix is short of programming. It still releases a high volume of series, documentaries, licensed titles and international productions across the year.
But the first-quarter film figures point to a more selective movie strategy. Netflix has been moving away from the era of releasing a large number of original films, many of which struggled to cut through, toward fewer titles with broader audience potential.
For Australian users, that strategy is landing alongside higher monthly costs. Netflix’s Australian plans now range from $9.99 to $28.99 a month, with the Premium tier priced at $28.99.
That Premium plan offers ad-free viewing, selected 4K and HDR titles, spatial audio, and downloads on up to six devices. It is also more than double the $13.99 monthly price attached to Netflix’s top Australian tier in 2018.