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Labor concerned about children's films, TV

Labor says it is concerned by a drop in local film and television programs targeted at children.

A dramatic drop in the amount of local Australian children's television production has Labor calling for action on a review of the industry.

Investment in local film and television programs for children dipped to $54 million, down from $100 million in 2016-17.

The number of content hours also declined from 111 to 71, well below the five-year average of 109.

The Australian and Children's Screen Content review has been with the government since December.

Labor wants Communications Minister Mitch Fifield to release the review and help address the void in Australian children's programs.

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"The government has failed to adapt the policy settings to ensure Australian children have access to a diversity of quality Australian content," Ms Rowland said.

"Labor acknowledges a number of factors are at play in the decline and urges the minister to act to remove policy uncertainty as a factor.

"It's clear this out of touch government needs to get its act together on children's content."

While the 2017-18 live-action children's drama figure sits around the five-year average, the fall can be put down to animated production dropping by 38 hours to a seven-year low.

A spokesman for Senator Fifield said the government was continuing to work with stakeholders on the issue.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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