Communications Minister Anika Wells attended a parliamentary showcase held by the ABC this week. (Instagram)
In short:
A deal between Labor and the Greens will see $50 million in extra funding for the ABC to invest in local content, with a focus on kids' programming.
The funding will facilitate the passage of a bill to impose local content requirements on streaming platforms.
Arts Minister Tony Burke has been contacted for comment.
The ABC will receive an extra $50 million in funding as part of a deal between Labor and the Greens to pass legislation forcing streaming services to produce a minimum amount of Australian content.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the party had obtained the $50 million funding commitment from the government as part of negotiations over the local content requirement, which she said would allow the broadcaster "to invest in Australian stories, in our kids' content, in our local drama".
"It's a good win for our broadcaster, it's a good win for our kids' television and kids' entertainment and it's a good win for Australian jobs," she said.
The legislation will require streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and others to commit at least 10 per cent of their local expenditure, or 7.5 per cent of revenue, on Australian content.
The laws were meant to be in place by July last year, but were delayed due to concerns over how they would interact with a free trade agreement with the US.
Earlier this month, Arts Minister Tony Burke said the laws would improve current inequity, where free-to-air and pay television providers were required to produce Australian content, but the same obligation did not apply to streaming services.
"Since their introduction in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows. This obligation will ensure that those stories — our stories — continue to be made," Mr Burke said earlier this month.
Senator Hanson-Young said the ABC was "the heart of Australian storytelling".
"By strengthening its capacity to make more children's and drama content, we're ensuring that heart keeps beating strongly.
"Bluey, Bananas in Pyjamas, Play School and many other successful shows have entertained and educated our kids for decades. This is the new chapter of quality kids' content that parents can trust."
Mr Burke and the ABC have been contacted for comment.
The government has confirmed the $50 million figure, which was mentioned by Senator Katy Gallagher at a press conference on Thursday, but has not provided a breakdown of the funding.
Senator Hanson-Young said it was for "Australian-made children's and drama content", and Senator Gallagher said it was for "the production of local content".
The Screen Producers Association welcomed the news the bill would likely pass.
"Today is a landmark day for Australian screen storytelling. It finally puts in place a strong starting point ... that responds to the enormous changes that digital streaming platforms have made to our industry dynamics and viewing habits," chief executive Matthew Deaner said.