{"id":"F2015L01079","name":"Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015","slug":"classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":128973,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2015L01079-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.png)\n\nClassification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015\n\nmade under paragraph 20A(2)(e) and subsection 21(3) of the\n\nClassification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995\n\nCompilation No. 2\n\nCompilation date: 14 March 2024\n\nIncludes amendments: F2024L00299\n\nRegistered: 4 April 2024\n\nAbout this compilation\n\nThis compilation\n\nThis is a compilation of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 March 2024 (the compilation date).\n\nThe notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.\n\nUncommenced amendments\n\nThe effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nApplication, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments\n\nIf the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nEditorial changes\n\nFor more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.\n\nModifications\n\nIf the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nSelf‑repealing provisions\n\nIf a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nContents\n\n[1 Name](#_Toc162338232)\n\n[3 Definitions](#_Toc162338233)\n\n[4 Prescribed films modifications](#_Toc162338234)\n\n[5 Rule for modifications of films](#_Toc162338235)\n\n[6 Rule does not prevent classification of modified films](#_Toc162338236)\n\n[Endnotes](#_Toc162338237)\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes 3\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key 4\n\n[Endnote 3—Legislation history](#_Toc162338238)\n\n[Endnote 4—Amendment history](#_Toc162338239)\n\n> Note: 1 Name\n\nThis instrument is the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015.\n\n> Note: 3 Definitions\n\nIn this instrument:\n\nAct means the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.\n\noriginal film means a film before it is subject to the modification concerned.\n\nNote: For the meaning of Board, classified and film see section 5 of the Act.\n\n> Note: 4 Prescribed films modifications\n\nModifications of unclassified films that are later classified\n\n(1) For the purposes of paragraph 20A(2)(e) of the Act—modifications of a kind prescribed under section 5 are covered by subsection 20A(2) of the Act.\n\nNote 1: If a film is modified and is classified in unmodified form at a later time, and the modification is of a kind covered by subsection 20A(2) of the Act, the modified film is taken from that later time to have the same classification as the classified film.\n\nNote 2: Section 20A of the Act applies in relation to films classified on or after 1 January 2013, regardless of when the film was modified.\n\nClassified films that are later modified\n\n(2) For the purposes of subsection 21(3) of the Act—subsection 21(1) of the Act does not apply to modifications of a kind prescribed under section 5.\n\nNote 1: If a classified film is modified, the modified film becomes unclassified when the modification occurs, except if subsections 21(2) or (3) of the Act applies.\n\nNote 2: Section 21 of the Act applies in relation to films classified on or after 1 January 2013.\n\n> Note: 5 Rule for modifications of films\n\n(1) Subject to subsection (2), a modification to a film is prescribed by this subsection if the modification consists of:\n\n(a) a black and white film that has been changed to colour in full or in part (or vice versa); or\n\n(b) a film in analogue format that has been converted to a digital format (or vice versa); or\n\n(c) any other format change; or\n\n(d) colour grading, visual effects or audio level changes; or\n\n(e) omitting footage or audio present in the original film.\n\n    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a modification that:\n\n(a) adds any footage, or audio not included in the original film; or\n\n(c) is likely to cause the film, as modified, to be given a different classification to the original film.\n\nNote: Subsection 5(2) does not affect the operation of modifications covered by paragraphs 20A(2)(a), (b), (c) or (d), or 21(2)(a), (b), (ba), (c), or (d) of the Act.\n\n> Note: 6 Rule does not prevent classification of modified films\n\n    (1) Section 5 does not apply to a modified film if:\n\n(a) an application to classify a modified film has been made to the Board; or\n\n(b) an approved classification tool is used to produce a decision for the film as modified and the decision would be taken to be a decision of the Board but for the operation of section 5; or\n\n(c) an accredited person has classified a modified film under section 22K of the Act.\n\n> Note: Endnotes\n\n> Note: Endnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nEditorial changes\n\nThe Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.\n\nIf the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.\n\n> Note: Endnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n| A = Act                                         | o = order(s)                        |\n| ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| ad = added or inserted                          | Ord = Ordinance                     |\n| am = amended                                    | orig = original                     |\n| amdt = amendment                                | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)  |\n| c = clause(s)                                   | /sub‑subparagraph(s)                |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x                        | pres = present                      |\n| Ch = Chapter(s)                                 | prev = previous                     |\n| def = definition(s)                             | (prev…) = previously                |\n| Dict = Dictionary                               | Pt = Part(s)                        |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament           | r = regulation(s)/rule(s)           |\n| Div = Division(s)                               | Reg = Regulation/Regulations        |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have  | reloc = relocated                   |\n| effect                                          | renum = renumbered                  |\n| F = Federal Register of Legislative Instruments | rep = repealed                      |\n| gaz = gazette                                   | rs = repealed and substituted       |\n| LI = Legislative Instrument                     | s = section(s)/subsection(s)        |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003          | Sch = Schedule(s)                   |\n| (md) = misdescribed amendment can be given      | Sdiv = Subdivision(s)               |\n| effect                                          | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment        | SR = Statutory Rules                |\n| cannot be given effect                          | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)             |\n| mod = modified/modification                     | SubPt = Subpart(s)                  |\n| No. = Number(s)                                 | underlining = whole or part not     |\n|                                                 | commenced or to be commenced        |\n\n> Note: Endnote 3—Legislation history\n\n| Name                                                                                                       | Registration                 | Commencement             | Application, saving and transitional provisions |\n| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015           | 1 July 2015(F2015L01079)     | 1 July 2015 (s 2)        |                                                 |\n| Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Amendment Instrument 2018 | 24 January 2018(F2018L00055) | 25 January 2018 (s 2)    | —                                               |\n| Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Legislation Amendment Instrument 2024              | 13 Mar 2024 (F2024L00299)    | Sch 2: 14 Mar 2024 (s 2) | —                                               |\n\n> Note: Endnote 4—Amendment history\n\n| Provision affected       | How affected   |\n| ------------------------ | -------------- |\n| s 2..................... | rep LA s 48D   |\n| s 5..................... | am F2018L00055 |\n| s 6..................... | am F2024L00299 |\n|                          | ed C2          |\n\n> Note: Endnote 5—Editorial changes\n\nIn preparing this compilation for registration, the following kinds of editorial change(s) were made under the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nParagraph 6(1)(b)\n\nKind of editorial change\n\nChange to punctuation\n\nDetails of editorial change\n\nSchedule 2 item 1 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Legislation Amendment Instrument 2024 provides as follows:\n\n1 Paragraph 6(1)(b)\n\nAfter “section 5”, insert “; or”.\n\nThis amendment results in the text “; or.” at the end of paragraph 6(1)(b).\n\nThis compilation was editorially changed to omit the full stop in paragraph 6(1)(b) to correct the punctuation.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument remains tightly focused on its original purpose: prescribing which film modifications affect classification status. The 2018 and 2024 amendments were minor technical updates (adding 'visual effects' to the safe modifications list in 2018, and punctuation corrections in 2024) rather than expansions of scope."},"complexity_factors":["Only 6 operative sections with minimal cross-referencing","Just 2 defined terms ('Act' and 'original film')","Single-level conditional logic (subsection 5(2) provides straightforward exceptions to subsection 5(1))","No nested exceptions or complex temporal provisions","Clear prescriptive list format in section 5(1) (a)-(e)","Minimal amendment history (only 2 amendments since 2015)","Straightforward interaction with parent Act (sections 20A and 21)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets rules for when an edited or reformatted film keeps the original classification or must be re‑classified. It affects distributors, broadcasters/streamers, the Classification Board, and consumers by distinguishing minor technical edits (format or colour changes, audio adjustments, trimming existing footage) that retain the rating from substantive changes (adding new material or alterations likely to change the rating) that trigger a fresh review."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument's scope has been adjusted since first made: section 5 was amended in 2018 and section 6 in 2024 (Endnotes 3–4). Those amendments refine which format and editorial changes are treated as harmless (s5(1)) and add or clarify exclusions (s5(2)), and alter the criteria under which a modified film may still be classified via the Board, an approved tool or an accredited person (s6(1)). The instrument now explicitly ties operation to films classified on or after 1 January 2013 (notes to s4)."},"complexity_factors":["Interacts closely with multiple provisions of the Classification Act: paragraph 20A(2)(e), subsection 21(3) and references to section 22K (s4 notes and instrument purpose).","Substantive rule plus carve-outs: s5(1) prescribes permitted modifications while s5(2) creates exclusions (notably adding footage/audio and changes \"likely to cause\" a different classification).","Subjective standard: the phrase \"likely to cause the film, as modified, to be given a different classification\" (s5(2)(c)) requires predictive judgement and invites interpretive uncertainty.","Multiple decision pathways preserved: s6(1) allows Board applications, approved classification tools or accredited persons to classify modified films, creating parallel procedures and potential delegation issues.","Temporal application: operation ties to films classified on or after 1 January 2013 (notes to s4), so parties must track both modification and classification dates.","Amendment history (s5 amended 2018; s6 amended 2024—Endnotes 3–4) means current scope differs from the 2015 original, raising transitional/application questions.","Concise instrument text but high reliance on external Act definitions (Board, classified, film) increasing cross-referencing for full meaning."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument specifies which kinds of changes to films are treated as ‘‘modifications’’ for classification law. It says that certain format, colour, grading, audio-level and omission edits generally do not require a fresh classification, while additions or edits likely to change a film’s rating are excluded. It affects filmmakers, distributors and classification officers by clarifying when a modified film keeps, loses or needs a new classification, reducing uncertainty about compliance and release decisions."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015","history":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015/history","analysis":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-films-instrument-2015/documents"}}