Langbroek seeks federal clarity amid renewed tariff threat
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek has signaled he will again approach the federal government for clarity on a revived tariff proposal that could affect the state’s film industry. The US administration under President Donald Trump reprised a May announcement proposing a 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made films, a move that could have sweeping consequences for Australia’s multibillion-dollar screen sector. Langbroek said he would write to federal counterpart Tony Burke to obtain diplomatic clarification, while stressing that the industry in Queensland remains robust despite ongoing trade uncertainty.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Langbroek framed the issue as a recapitulation of earlier warnings rather than a new development. “The local industry continues to be very active, both since May and even as recently as last week, when we had Subversion being filmed with Chris Hemsworth,” he said. “The local industry is vibrant and very positive about the future – having said that, we would like some clarification.”
The minister’s comments come amid a broader scramble across Australian states to cement their place in a global production slate. Tax incentives and other competitive measures have become standard tools as jurisdictions vie to attract overseas and domestic productions. Queensland, in particular, has showcased a surge in production activity, buoyed by policy support and a favorable landscape for film projects.
Queensland’s film sector: momentum and policy context
Langbroek’s update follows ongoing dialogue about how global trade policy might shape Australia’s screen industry. While the tariff threat has not been removed, the minister emphasized that the state’s industry is not waiting for policy certainty to act. Queensland has leveraged incentives and a steady stream of local projects to bolster activity, and producers have continued to bring high-profile work to the state. The economic ripple effects—through jobs, local services, and ancillary businesses—underline why the sector remains a political and cultural priority for the Palaszczuk-era and successor administrations alike.
In recent years, several states have introduced or enhanced incentives designed to attract filmmakers. The competition is intense, but Queensland’s record of keeping production pipelines open and delivering on-ramp support is frequently cited as a positive signal for investors and crews alike. The possibility of restrictive tariffs adds a layer of risk, even as industry players push forward with shoots and development projects across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and regional hubs.
Industry resilience in the face of policy uncertainty
There is a clear sense that the sector has diversified and matured. The prospect of a tariff, if realized, could complicate budgeting, scheduling, and cross-border collaboration. Yet many in Queensland’s film community remain optimistic about the sector’s trajectory, pointing to a steady inflow of productions and a growing ecosystem that supports crews, venues, and post-production facilities. Langbroek’s call for clarification is framed not as denial of the issue but as prudent government oversight—recognizing the need for clear channels of communication with the federal authorities during a period of tariff debate.
What happens next?
The minister’s letter to Tony Burke is expected to outline Queensland’s concerns and seek formal confirmation on how a potential 100 per cent tariff could be implemented, what exemptions might apply, and how such a measure would interact with Australia’s own production incentives. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely as a federal response unfolds. In the meantime, Queensland’s film crews, post-production teams, and service suppliers continue to operate, underscoring a resilient sector that has adapted to shifting policy landscapes while maintaining its creative output.
Conclusion
Langbroek’s cautious but constructive approach reflects a broader desire to protect Queensland’s thriving film industry without stalling its momentum. As talks with Canberra progress, the sector’s optimism about future projects—such as high-profile shoots already underway or announced—remains a central theme. The next steps from the federal government will determine how this tension between trade policy and local production unfolds in the coming months.
