In response, Seven will launch a new internship program covering production departments.
The Seven Network has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to amend the producer offset tax legislation, making Home and Away eligible for a 30% rebate that goes to local TV drama productions.
As a result of the boost from the tax change, Seven will launch a series of new initiatives for Home and Away. This will include the establishment of a new internship program which will cover production departments of the series, and an investment in more location filming, including in regional Australia.
A report from ACIL Allen last year showed Home and Away had added more than $7.5 billion to Australia’s GDP since it started and generated almost 13,000 employee years of full-time equivalent direct and indirect jobs in Australia.
The report also found Home and Away had increased Australia’s tourism appeal as a destination in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand by 33%.
Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, said: “We would like to acknowledge and thank Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, and the Albanese Government for their decision to amend the legislation and for recognising the vital role Home and Away plays in the Australian television sector.
“Home and Away is a remarkable show and has been an integral part of many Australians’ lives for almost four decades. Access to the producer offset will enable us to increase Home and Away’s domestic and international appeal, ensure it remains competitive as an Australian drama, and reinforce the significant contribution it makes to the Australian TV industry and Australian culture.”
Seven chief content officer, entertainment programming, Angus Ross, said: “Our new investment in Home and Away, made possible by the Government’s decision, will strengthen its future, enable it to tell even more great Australian stories and create a new pathway for people who want to be part of that sector.
“More location filming will help ensure Home and Away maintains its globally acclaimed production values and will create new work for the Australian production sector.”
