Boost to tax rebate rate could attract Hollywood filmmakers to Queensland

Queensland could be set to host the filming of more Hollywood blockbuster productions after the Federal government today boosted the national tax rebate by almost double. 

The rebate rate is being raised from 16 percent to 30 percent and $140 million in incentives are being offered to filmmakers over four years to attract them to the ‘Sunshine State’.

“There is great competition for film production and Australia is a much-desired location,” Federal Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said today.

The tax break comes follows a plea from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after Queensland almost lost a bid to become the filming location for the new ‘Dora the Explorer’ movie.

“We went out and did ‘Dora’ on our own,” Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira told media today.

“I think this (tax break) is really important. It’s something the industry has been calling on for years.”

It is expected the boosted grant will benefit thousands of Australians, including workers from the Village Roadshow Studios, next to Queensland’s Movie World theme park.