Screen Queensland funding cut shakes film industry confidence

A government funding cut to Queensland’s film and television sector could erode confidence in the industry and turn movie makers away from the Sunshine State.

Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek last week announced $50 million in incentives funding for government-owned agency Screen Queensland (SQ) over the next two years.

In real terms, that represents a funding cut for SQ, which was granted $42 million in incentives funding in the 2025-26 state budget, and $38 million per annum in the two budgets prior.

Screen Producers Australia chief executive Matthew Deaner said the cut confirmed industry fears that had been circling since the state budget was handed down.

"The Queensland government is significantly reducing the incentives that support the attraction of screen production, business and economic activity in the state," Mr Deaner said.

"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."

According to state government figures, SQ generated more than $541 million in "direct Queensland production expenditure" in the 2025-26 financial year and employed more than 6,600 people.

Mr Deaner said cutting SQ’s funding was a "relatively modest saving" that could cost the state "many times that amount in small-business and economic activity".

"The risk here is that it undermines Queensland's position as one of Australia's, if not the worlds', leading screen-production destinations."

The state’s announcement also came as a shock to the City of Gold Coast, which has hosted production for Hollywood blockbusters Elvis, Aquaman, Thor: Ragnarok and others in recent years.

A spokesperson for the Gold Coast mayor said Tom Tate had asked Mr Langbroek for more details.

"We have written … seeking clarification on this funding and what other funding is coming from the state for the screen industry in 2026-27 and in the next financial year," the spokesperson said. 

In a statement, SQ chief executive Jacqui Feeney said "rapid growth" in Queensland’s screen industry had been accompanied by "record-breaking demand for funding" in recent years.

"Screen Queensland is currently finalising changes to our incentive rates to balance momentum with sustainability across the sector,"

Ms Feeney said.

"Our revised incentives will also still be offered in combination with the federal government’s 30 per cent offsets and rebates."

Mr Langbroek did not answer specific questions about how a reduction in funding could impact industry confidence in Queensland.

Nor did he answer questions about why SQ funding had been cut.

"The Crisafulli government is delivering multi-year funding certainty to the screen industry after Labor left the sector with no guarantees," Mr Langbroek said.

"Only with multi-year funding certainty can the industry forward plan and support a pipeline of projects across two years, creating more jobs for Queenslanders and boosting our local economy."