Screen Queensland funding cut shakes film industry confidence
The Queensland government's funding cut to its state-owned film and television agency risks undermining the Sunshine State's ability to attract future productions.
The Queensland government has reduced funding for Screen Queensland by $13 million annually for the next two years, which could shake confidence in the state's film and television industry. Screen Producers Australia's chief executive, Matthew Deaner, stated that such cuts could prompt future productions to relocate from Queensland.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has written to Queensland's arts minister, seeking clarification on the funding cuts. Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek recently announced $50 million in incentives funding for the government-owned agency Screen Queensland, but this represents a reduction in real terms. Screen Producers Australia's Deaner said the cut confirms industry fears about the state's investment stability.
The Queensland government's decision to reduce incentives comes as a shock to the city of Gold Coast, which has hosted productions for Hollywood blockbusters like Elvis, Aquaman, and Thor: Ragnarok. Screen Queensland generated over $541 million in direct production expenditure and employed more than 6,600 people in the 2025-26 financial year, making it one of Australia's leading screen-production destinations.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
