Royal Commission on the Moving Picture Industry in Australia
Royal Commission on the moving picture industry in Australia · Motion Picture Industry Royal Commission · Film Royal Commission
28 May 1927 – 17 March 1928
A commission of members of Parliament, chaired by Walter Marks, that inquired into the film industry in Australia, including American dominance of distribution and exhibition, censorship and the encouragement of Australian and British films.
How it came into existence
Appointed by Letters Patent dated 28 May 1927 by the Bruce government. On 3 March 1927 the Senate had resolved, on Senator John Grant's motion, that a royal commission be appointed; a joint select committee on the industry was set up in March 1927, and the government then appointed a royal commission instead. Walter Marks was chairman, and members included Frank Forde. It examined more than 250 witnesses.
Changes during its life
- 24 April 1928Report laid before the House of Representatives (and the Senate on 26 April 1928).
How it ended
According to the Official Year Book its report was presented on 17 March 1928, ending the commission; it was laid before Parliament on 24 and 26 April 1928. Its recommendations covered censorship, distribution, exhibition, local production, a quota for Empire films, films for children and education, and customs duties. The government increased film duties, but most recommendations depended on State legislation and had limited effect.
Main functions
- Distribution and exhibition of films
- Film censorship
- Australian film production and an Empire film quota
- Taxation and customs duties on films
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
Government records and websites
- Parliamentary Handbook: Royal Commissions (dates of Letters Patent and final reports)
- Final report (ParlInfo)
- Official Year Book of the Commonwealth of Australia No. 22, 1929 (ABS)
- Historic Hansard: House of Representatives, 15 March 1927 (joint select committee appointed)
- Historic Hansard: House of Representatives, 24 April 1928 (report tabled)
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.