Relief package for Australian media
- Support for sectors of the cultural and creative industries
- Temporary relief from regulatory obligations
The Ministry for communications, cyber safety and the arts announced that it will provide $41 million (US$26.1 million) in spectrum tax rebates, offering immediate financial relief to commercial television and radio broadcasters across Australia. As an emergency red tape reduction measure, Australian drama, children’s and documentary content obligations on free-to-air and subscription television have been suspended for 2020. A decision will be taken before the end of this year as to whether this suspension would be extended to 2021. In light of COVID-19, the future extent of Australian content obligations on free-to-air television broadcasters is being explored, as well as whether these should apply to streaming services. The requirement to meet the overall 55% Australian content quota is maintained.