Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced he is collaborating with the CEO of Screen Australia to address the significant threat posed to the Australian film industry by recent tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump. Burke stressed the importance of defending the rights of the Australian screen sector while acknowledging the situation’s seriousness.
In a statement on social media, Trump declared his intention to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the US, citing a decline in the American film industry due to foreign competition and incentives that attract filmmakers to other countries. He called for a return to producing movies within the United States, expressing strong opposition to films from abroad.
The practicality of enforcing such a tariff remains uncertain since films are classified as intellectual property rather than tangible goods. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also commented on the impending tariffs, expressing patience as further details emerge, underscoring his government’s support for the local film industry.
Australia’s film industry is flourishing, with several Hollywood productions, including Anyone But You and The Fall Guy, recently filmed in locations such as Sydney. The Gold Coast has gained recognition for its appeal to international filmmakers, earning the nickname "Goldywood."
To bolster the local scene, the Australian government provides a tax offset aimed at attracting investment in its film industry, offering a 30% rebate on large-budget projects filmed in Australia. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create more opportunities for Australian talent, from cast to crew, in the growing screen production landscape.