Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 6 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of mandatory Australian content requirements for subscription video-on-demand services. Tony Burke moved the second reading, outlining the bill's aim to ensure streaming platforms invest in local stories. He detailed the consultation process and the specific mechanisms for compliance, including expenditure thresholds and reporting obligations. The debate was adjourned without further speeches recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Monday 24 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the Communications Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which requires large streaming platforms serving more than one million people in Australia to fund local productions. Government representatives stated the measure meets National Cultural Policy goals and brings streaming duties in line with current regulations for free-to-air and pay TV. Although everyone backed the proposal, Independent and Greens MPs argued the limits were too low and highlighted potential gaps, including government offsets and the absence of specific genre quotas. The law obliges these services to allocate a minimum of 10 per cent of overall spending or 7.5 per cent of Australian gross income toward eligible local drama, kids' shows, documentaries, arts, and learning material.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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3. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate focused on amendments to the bill during consideration in detail, with the government opposing all changes due to trade law constraints. Independent members proposed amendments to exclude producer offsets from qualifying expenditure and to mandate subgenre and regional reporting. Opposition members moved amendments regarding content prominence and transparency of regional spending. All amendments were defeated, and the bill was not passed on the recorded divisions.

   Outcome: The amendments were negatived, and the bill was not passed on the recorded divisions.

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4. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of investment and reporting obligations for streaming services to support Australian content. The Coalition supported the principle of backing the screen industry but opposed the bill's rushed timeline and lack of inquiry, moving an amendment to highlight these concerns. The Nationals supported the bill's aim to level the playing field but raised issues regarding regional representation and tax contributions by international platforms. The bill was ultimately defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with 42 votes in favour and 97 against.

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5. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Indigenous Australians moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill introduces a requirement for streaming services with at least one million Australian subscribers to invest 10 per cent of their program expenditure on new Australian content, aiming to protect local stories and cultural identity. The second bill retrospectively authorises VET Student Loan providers to handle student tax file numbers between 2017 and 2025, correcting a legislative gap identified during a system review. The Minister argued that these measures ensure consistent content standards across platforms and maintain the integrity of the vocational education loan system. The debate was adjourned without further discussion, and the bills were listed as separate orders of the day.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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