Constructive and consultative approach to intellectual property
Video games constitute some of the most renowned, innovative, valuable, and complex IP in the world. Locally made video games help to bring in export revenue that can last years. At the same time, games remain vulnerable to copyright infringement and IP theft. Noting the breadth of issues and diversity of views across the Australian and New Zealand creative sectors on IP policy, and particularly around copyright, our position is that where there is a need for reform, we support an approach that is considered, constructive, and consultative.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Supporting a strong, accessible and neutral internet
One of the most important pieces of infrastructure to support a futureproofed economy and connected society is strong and reliable internet, both fixed and wireless. Specifically, we support continued government investment into broadband and wireless networks and a competitive market of service providers to ensure that internet is accessible and affordable for all Australians and New Zealanders. It is also essential that wholesale and retail internet service providers should not and do not discriminate against video game content and data.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Practical and common-sense competition and consumer policy
The video games sector is an ecosystem of many consoles, platforms, storefronts, publishers, and developers all operating under significant competitive tension. There is fierce competition for players, as evidenced by game prices remaining steady over the decades, even as inflation and development costs balloon. Video game companies are committed to building trust, loyalty, and consumer satisfaction, with gamers having greater choice than ever. We advocate for competition and consumer laws that are modern, practical, sensible, and compatible with the digital economy.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Advocating for a fair tax system that encourages innovation
Our industry, like all sectors, should rightly pay its fair share of taxes. In addition to corporate income and other taxes, GST in both Australia and New Zealand is collected on digital sales including in-game purchases, unlike in many other countries. Australia’s export-focused game developers have also brought in significant taxes – generating more tax revenue than arguably any other creative sector. We advocate for tax policies that support SMEs, and incentives that drive innovation, like R&D tax incentives. Dialogue around tax reform and digital industries should be based on achieving global consensus.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Reducing our current and future environmental impacts
While our sector, being mostly digital, is greener than most, we know we must keep working hard to further reduce our environmental impacts. Our members are investing into improving their technologies and designs to achieve environmental and carbon reduction outcomes, while still improving their products. We are fully engaged in green policy discussions, such as goals for phasing out hard-to-recycle plastics, practical packaging reduction targets, and improving access to repair. We also support government policies that help to address climate change and increase the availability of renewable power.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Developing a vibrant and innovative esports scene
Australia and New Zealand have developed burgeoning esports scenes that are rapidly growing and attracting significant investment from traditional sports. To support this growth sustainably and responsibly, we seek to ensure that esports is enjoyed fairly, safely, and positively. We encourage federal, state, and local government attention on esports as contemporary levers for boosting tourism activity and infrastructure investment, as well as harnessing new opportunities for youth engagement and community cohesion, such as through school-based and grassroots esports programs.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.