The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India (Mumbai, 10 March 2023).
The Agreement provides a framework for Australia and India to cooperate on the approval and making of audiovisual productions which could include feature films, television, video recordings, animations, and digital format productions.
Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “The Committee’s scrutiny of this Agreement highlights that there is considerable value in Australia connecting and collaborating with the Indian film industry. The Agreement provides a valuable means for the two countries to share knowledge, skills, logistics and creative abilities.”
This would be the fourteenth co-production arrangement that Australia has entered into under Australia’s International Co-Production Program. The projects that are approved as official co-productions under the Agreement would be regarded as national productions of both Australia and India.
Mr Wilson said: “The Agreement would encourage employment in the screen industry, as well as technical development in the field of audiovisual production. It would also build on the existing, strong, and multifaceted relationship between Australia and India and benefit cultural exchange.”
The Committee notes support for the Agreement from the Government and representatives of the Australian-India film industry.
The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.
The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.
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