IGEA congratulates the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government

05
May

IGEA congratulates the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government and looks forward to continuing to work closely together to support Australian video game developers to thrive and build a sustainable industry ecosystem.

Over a decade ago, the previous Labor Government established Australia’s first major federal game development fund, the Australian Interactive Games Fund. Through bipartisan support in the last term, we saw the introduction of the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) signalling a new foundation for the Australian video games industry. This sets a critical building block for growing the industry to support greater economic wealth, build global competitive advantage and create a pipeline of creative, technical jobs.

There are several ways a returning Labor Government can help our industry reach its full potential and build momentum by addressing the following key priorities:

  • Drive industry development through ongoing investment and trade
    1. Build on the momentum for industry development and attract global investment, enabled via the DGTO.
    2. Implement a fair tax system that encourages investment, rather than hinders.
    3. Enhance opportunities in digital trade and exports.
    4. Create opportunities for serious games in government.

 

  • Boost talent pipeline for a sustainable industry
    1. Immediately close the talent gap by attracting global talent and upskilling the local workforce.
    2. Build a sustainable talent pipeline through continued investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Maths (STEAM) education and co-developed training in video games development.

 

  • Implement well-informed and designed regulation through
    1. Good public policy design and best practice regulation.
    2. A modern classification scheme for video games.
    3. Support and promotion of online safety in video games.
    4. A constructive and consultative approach to intellectual property

 

Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, said, “We have deeply appreciated the support for Australian video game creators, made possible through cross-party support in the last term.”

“Like many high-tech and creative sectors, the past year has been extremely challenging for game developers, with multiple external forces disrupting growth. There is an opportunity now to recover by instilling greater investment confidence and building a sustainable pathway toward a globally competitive industry.

“With ambition and clear vision, Australia can become a serious global powerhouse in video games. It makes strong economic sense to increase support for the sector to boost jobs and drive economic growth.

Following the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government, there is no better time to open this conversation,” Mr Curry said.

In November, IGEA released Raising the Game: Australian Video Games Industry Policy Platformer, outlining these priorities in greater detail.

 

Media spokespeople available:

  • Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Raelene Knowles – raelene@igea.net

About IGEA

IGEA (Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) is the peak industry association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the computer and video games industry.  IGEA supports the games industry’s business and public policy interests through advocacy, research and education programs. For more information, please visit www.igea.net