Tuesday, 28 July 2026

 Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (19:15): (1735) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Creative Industries, and the action that I seek is a long-term funding plan for VicScreen, with increases in funding year on year. I have been meeting with Victoria’s screen sector over the past few months, and they are extremely concerned with the state of our film and television industry. There are year-on-year cuts, and a lack of forward planning by this government means that VicScreen has no proposed budget beyond this financial year. In an industry with long lead times, where a production itself can take 12 months – that is not including the development times – long-term sustainable funding is absolutely essential. As costs rise, Screen Australia has reported a 14 per cent decline in free-to-air television production spend in 2024–25, from $189 million to just $162 million. As government funding dries up, the number of productions of course fall across the board, in broadcasting, in streaming TV as well as in feature films.

Despite Australia creating one of the most popular shows in the US two years running, Bluey, there has been a shocking 60 per cent drop in the number of kids shows produced here since the Morrison government ditched the children’s content quota – a quota that federal Labor has failed to bring back. Children’s TV production used to be a reliable employer of Victorian screen workers and an opportunity for early-career creatives to get some experience. Long-running productions have completely dried up in Victoria, most notably with Neighbours finishing up its 40-year run last year. Shows like this offered stability in a volatile employment environment, and they are key to the industry’s survival, but major production companies and post-production houses have now folded and have had to close down in recent years as well.

In these challenging times the government can and should step in. Writers, directors, producers, cast and crew – they are fed up with Victoria losing productions to Queensland, to New South Wales, to WA. We have some of the best creatives in the world, who are invested in this state’s success, but they cannot survive on the smell of an oily rag. The Victorian government needs to present a long-term funding plan for VicScreen, with increases in funding year on year. Screen production creates jobs, it contributes to local economies, and for every dollar invested it generates $11. But best of all, it tells our stories to the world, something that all Victorians can enjoy and be proud of.