The Queensland Government has been criticised for cutting funding to Screen Queensland, despite also praising the screen agency’s contribution and promising it long-term support into the future.
In late August, the Crisafulli Government announced a two-year investment of $50 million through Screen Queensland, as well as an additional $9.9 million to support the operation of Screen Queensland Studios Brisbane.
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said at the time: ‘Queensland’s screen industry is a significant contributor to our economy, and it showcases our state to audiences across Australia and around the world.
‘This significant multi-year investment will ensure national and international productions continue to strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a premier screen production destination based on our competitive incentives, breathtaking locations and internationally recognised creative workforce.’
Despite promises that the Queensland Government would be delivering a ‘fresh start’ to boost the state’s creative economy, this commitment has been questioned, as many in the industry point out the investment amounts to a significant funding cut.
Screen Queensland funding cuts – quick links
Funding announcement creates uncertainty
Speaking to the ABC, Screen Producers Australia Chief Executive Matthew Deaner outlined a concerning reduction in funding, as $42 million in incentives were handed down in the yearly 2025-26 state budget, and $38 million in the prior year.
The two-year $50 million investment represents a drop, and one that Deaner believes will lead to negative outcomes for the state.
‘The Queensland Government is significantly reducing the incentives that support the attraction of screen production, business and economic activity in the state,’ Deaner told the ABC.
‘Producers have chosen to locate their businesses in Queensland based on the stability and level of state investment. Our members indicate that New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia, as well as international production hubs, are now being considered for their business and production locations.’
As Deaner explained, state incentives have encouraged an array of major productions and production companies to find a home in Queensland, where robust support allowed for practical growth and sustainability, as well as the chance to show off Queensland’s beauty.
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Across critically-acclaimed shows including Fortitude Valley,Two Years Later, Deadloch, Young Rock and Joe vs. Carole, and films including Love and Monsters and the upcoming Runner, Queensland has served as an eye-catching backdrop, also providing opportunities for local screen talent to show off their skills.
Queensland has produced a powerful array of shows and films that contribute extensively to tourism, local economies and jobs, not to mention entertaining audiences.
As Deaner points out, reducing the available incentives funding for Queensland-based screen productions will likely impact all of these areas. While it may represent a ‘modest saving’ per Deaner, it could end up costing the state ‘many times that amount in small-business and economic activity’.
Screen Queensland on changes to its funding
In a statement sent to the ABC, Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney acknowledged changes currently underway at the organisation.
‘Screen Queensland is currently finalising changes to our incentive rates to balance momentum with sustainability across the sector,’ Feeney said.
‘Our revised incentives will also still be offered in combination with the Federal Government’s 30% offsets and rebates.’
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Feeney also acknowledged the rapid growth of Queensland’s screen sector, as well as the ‘record-breaking’ demand for funding in recent years.
In response to ABC questions, Langbroek reportedly confirmed the Queensland Government’s multi-year commitment to supporting Queensland’s screen sector, affirming his belief that it will enable forward planning and a pipeline of projects over the next two years.
