FLETCHER REFUSES TO COMMIT TO RETURN OF CONTENT QUOTAS

The Morrison Government is refusing to commit to the return of local content quotas for new Australian drama, documentary and children’s programs, adding to the screen sector’s uncertainty.

The Government suspended these quotas in April, pitching it as a temporary measure to help commercial broadcasters through the COVID-19 crisis.
 
But on ABC television today, Minister Paul Fletcher repeatedly refused to commit to bringing these local content quotas back.

Content obligations have been a central driver of the production of Australian stories for years. Scrapping them permanently would have far-reaching consequences for the sector, meaning fewer job opportunities for Australian creatives and fewer Australian stories on our screens.

Minister Fletcher has previously described quotas as “red tape”, displaying an appalling lack of understanding from the man who is meant to be the voice of the creative industries in Cabinet.

Screen production has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, with thousands of people losing work. And like so many in the arts, a large number of these workers are not eligible for the JobKeeper wage subsidy.

It took the Government more than 100 days to deliver a support package for the arts and entertainment sector. 

Now just three days after finally delivering some assistance they’re seeking to take away a critical support for our creators.

It’s yet another example of the Government using this crisis as cover to push through extreme and permanent changes.

SUNDAY, 28 JUNE 2020