SBS Western Sydney

We provided funding to the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to develop a fully costed business case for the establishment of an SBS television and radio production hub and talent incubator in Western Sydney.

The new production hub plans to feature a TV studio able to host live audiences, radio/podcasting booths, collaboration spaces for talent incubation and a modest workspace to support production output.

Subject to the completion of the business case, once established, this facility will enable SBS to deliver approximately 360 hours per year of new first run Australian screen content and 1,440 hours per year of original audio and podcast content—including multilingual content.

SBS in Western Sydney will also:

  • create opportunities for local, skilled production jobs in Western Sydney for its increasing number of highly skilled, qualified and culturally diverse workers
  • provide a participation pathway for young people, including multicultural, multilingual and First Nations youth, pursuing careers in the arts and media
  • further improve participation by Western Sydney communities in one of Australia's most trusted news media organisation.

In 2025, SBS will explore options for the Western Sydney production hub, including seeking expressions of interest from the local market for potential sites which could house the production hub.

SBS will work closely with the department and engage with local councils, education institutions, business and economic development bodies in Western Sydney in progressing the project.

More information is available on the SBS Western Sydney page of the SBS website.

SBS Relocation Feasibility Study

In April 2023, the Australian Government commissioned a feasibility study into a possible relocation of the SBS from its Artarmon headquarters in New South Wales to Western Sydney, alongside the provision of a multi-purpose space for content creation and public use.

The Steering Committee appointed to oversee the feasibility study delivered its initial report to the former minister for communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, and the former m inister sought the views of the SBS Board in May 2024. In July 2024, the former m inister received the SBS Board's response to the initial report.

The Australian Government has considered the outcomes of the report and given the significant costs involved in a full relocation, has decided not to pursue this option.

More information