Writers’ strike threat puts long-running soap in jeopardy
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For more than three decades, one of Australia’s most recognisable TV shows has brought drama, romance, and unforgettable moments to living rooms across the country.
But now, uncertainty surrounds its future as behind-the-scenes tensions threaten to bring everything to a sudden stop.
Fans are left wondering if this could be the end of an era.
At the heart of the drama is a long-simmering row over superannuation—yes, that all-important retirement nest egg that every working Aussie is entitled to.
According to the Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG), the writers behind Home and Away (and other iconic shows like Neighbours) have been denied their rightful superannuation payments for years, possibly even decades.
The AWG is now pushing for Seven Productions, the company behind Home and Away, to comply with a recent Australian Tax Office (ATO) ruling that could see millions of dollars in back payments owed to writers.
The ATO’s December ruling was a game-changer. It clarified that film and television writers, when engaged to produce scripts, are considered employees, not just freelancers selling a product.
This means they’re entitled to superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee Act, just like any other worker.
The AWG says that, despite this, Seven has refused to pay up, claiming there’s no legal basis for the payments.
One Home and Away writer didn’t mince words: ‘We should all stop letting Seven treat us like s*** and threaten to go on strike.’
Another source close to the situation said the claim could end up in court, with the potential payout running into the millions.
It’s not just Home and Away in the firing line. Writers for Neighbours—another Aussie TV institution—have also allegedly missed out on superannuation, even after the show’s revival by Amazon.
Some production companies, like Matchbox Pictures (behind hits like The Heights and The Slap), do pay super to their writers, but it’s a bit of a lucky dip across the industry.
‘It can be pot luck with who pays it and who doesn’t,’ one insider said.
‘But none of those currently writing for Home and Away have ever received super, despite many attempts over the years.’
Many of these writers are technically freelancers, but some have worked on the show for more than a decade.
The fear of losing their jobs has kept many from speaking out, but the AWG is now taking a stand, spelling out that writers engaged to create scripts are employees for superannuation purposes.
The threat of a strike is very real. The AWG hasn’t ruled out industrial action or even a class action lawsuit, though they acknowledge that a strike could cause financial hardship for their members.
Still, the stakes are high: if the writers walk out, Home and Away could be forced off the air, at least temporarily.
This wouldn’t be the first time a writers’ strike has rocked the TV world. Just last year, the Writers Guild of America went on strike for 148 days, joined by the Screen Actors Guild, causing massive disruption to the US film and TV industry.
The result is a major concessions from production companies and new agreements that improved pay and conditions for writers and actors alike.
The situation is already heating up in the courts. Veteran Home and Away scriptwriter Fiona Bozic, who’s worked for Seven for over 20 years, has filed a statement with the Federal Court, alleging breaches of workplace protections.
Bozic’s responsibilities have included everything from creating storylines to recruiting new writers, and her case could set a precedent for others in the industry.
Seven, for its part, is keeping quiet, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Other industry bodies, like Screen Producers Australia, have offered mixed messages, suggesting that some writing services attract super while others don’t, depending on whether the writer is providing a service or simply selling a script.
Home and Away could face serious delays or even a temporary shutdown if the dispute isn't resolved.
For many over-60s who’ve followed the show since its early days, this would be a huge blow.
The show has been a constant companion through the ups and downs of life, and its absence would leave a big hole in the TV schedule.
But the issue goes beyond just one show. It’s about fairness and respect for the creative minds who bring our favourite stories to life.
Superannuation is a basic right for all workers, and it’s only fair that writers—who often work long hours under tight deadlines—get their due.
Home and Away fans, and some of you may have worked in TV or creative industries yourselves. What do you think about the writers’ fight for superannuation? Should Channel Seven pay up? Would you support a strike if it meant fairer treatment for writers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: Has your superannuation suffered over the past month? Here's what finance experts have to say
But now, uncertainty surrounds its future as behind-the-scenes tensions threaten to bring everything to a sudden stop.
Fans are left wondering if this could be the end of an era.
At the heart of the drama is a long-simmering row over superannuation—yes, that all-important retirement nest egg that every working Aussie is entitled to.
According to the Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG), the writers behind Home and Away (and other iconic shows like Neighbours) have been denied their rightful superannuation payments for years, possibly even decades.
The AWG is now pushing for Seven Productions, the company behind Home and Away, to comply with a recent Australian Tax Office (ATO) ruling that could see millions of dollars in back payments owed to writers.
Home and Away writers are threatening legal action and a strike over claims of decades of unpaid superannuation. Credit: Instagram
The ATO’s December ruling was a game-changer. It clarified that film and television writers, when engaged to produce scripts, are considered employees, not just freelancers selling a product.
This means they’re entitled to superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee Act, just like any other worker.
The AWG says that, despite this, Seven has refused to pay up, claiming there’s no legal basis for the payments.
One Home and Away writer didn’t mince words: ‘We should all stop letting Seven treat us like s*** and threaten to go on strike.’
Another source close to the situation said the claim could end up in court, with the potential payout running into the millions.
It’s not just Home and Away in the firing line. Writers for Neighbours—another Aussie TV institution—have also allegedly missed out on superannuation, even after the show’s revival by Amazon.
Some production companies, like Matchbox Pictures (behind hits like The Heights and The Slap), do pay super to their writers, but it’s a bit of a lucky dip across the industry.
‘It can be pot luck with who pays it and who doesn’t,’ one insider said.
‘But none of those currently writing for Home and Away have ever received super, despite many attempts over the years.’
The fear of losing their jobs has kept many from speaking out, but the AWG is now taking a stand, spelling out that writers engaged to create scripts are employees for superannuation purposes.
The threat of a strike is very real. The AWG hasn’t ruled out industrial action or even a class action lawsuit, though they acknowledge that a strike could cause financial hardship for their members.
Still, the stakes are high: if the writers walk out, Home and Away could be forced off the air, at least temporarily.
This wouldn’t be the first time a writers’ strike has rocked the TV world. Just last year, the Writers Guild of America went on strike for 148 days, joined by the Screen Actors Guild, causing massive disruption to the US film and TV industry.
The result is a major concessions from production companies and new agreements that improved pay and conditions for writers and actors alike.
Bozic’s responsibilities have included everything from creating storylines to recruiting new writers, and her case could set a precedent for others in the industry.
Seven, for its part, is keeping quiet, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Other industry bodies, like Screen Producers Australia, have offered mixed messages, suggesting that some writing services attract super while others don’t, depending on whether the writer is providing a service or simply selling a script.
Home and Away could face serious delays or even a temporary shutdown if the dispute isn't resolved.
For many over-60s who’ve followed the show since its early days, this would be a huge blow.
The show has been a constant companion through the ups and downs of life, and its absence would leave a big hole in the TV schedule.
Superannuation is a basic right for all workers, and it’s only fair that writers—who often work long hours under tight deadlines—get their due.
Read more: Has your superannuation suffered over the past month? Here's what finance experts have to say
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getting this show off tv is way long overdue.
