Arts Minister Simon Crean and Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury today issued further advice about the Government's intention to update the legislation governing the Producer Offset to include a definition of 'documentary' and related terms, as announced in the 2012–13 Federal Budget.
The Producer Offset offers a refundable tax offset to eligible film and television productions, including documentaries.
Mr Crean said the absence of a definition and recent court decisions have led to some uncertainty for screen producers about whether or not their production will qualify for the Producer Offset.
"Inserting a definition of the term 'documentary' will give producers greater confidence about the eligibility of their production and will support the success of the Producer Offset as a funding mechanism," Mr Crean said.
"It will also provide clear guidance for the program's administrator Screen Australia and the Government in the operation of the Offset."
A 'documentary' in this context is a creative interpretation of actuality and does not include an infotainment or lifestyle program, or a magazine program.
Mr Bradbury said relevant definitions will be consistent with the Australian Content Standard made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
"The new definition will be developed to align with relevant broadcasting legislation and long-standing industry practice," he said.
Consultation on the legislative amendment will be conducted by Treasury and an exposure draft of the proposed changes will be made available on the Treasury website when released.
This measure will apply to productions commencing principal photography on or after 1 July 2012.