{"id":"F2005L01285","name":"Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005","slug":"guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":34994,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005L01285-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005","content":"![](image.001.png)\n\nGuidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005\n\nas amended\n\nmade under section 12 of the\n\nClassification (Publications, Films and Computer Games)  \nAct 1995\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 19 March 2008  \ntaking into account amendments up to Guidelines for the Classification of Publications Amendment 2008 (No. 1)\n\nPrepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,  \nAttorney‑General’s Department, Canberra\n\n    GUIDELINES FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLICATIONS 2005\n\n    Introduction\n\nCertain publications, whether they are locally made or come from overseas, have to be classified before they can be sold, distributed or advertised in Australia.\n\nClassification is undertaken by the Classification Board (the Board), which is located in Sydney.\n\nThe Classification Board (the Board) classifies publications for sale on behalf of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Territories. Queensland does not, however, recognise the ‘Restricted’ categories (Category 1 – Restricted and Category 2 – Restricted).\n\nWhen making its classification decisions, the Board is required to reflect contemporary community standards and must apply criteria which are set out in the National Classification Code (the Code).\n\nThe Code is determined under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Classification Act). The Code contains the general principles which form the basis of the Classification Guidelines (the Guidelines).\n\nThe Code states:\n\nClassification decisions are to give effect, as far as possible, to the following principles:\n\n(a) adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want;\n\n(b) minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them;\n\n(c) everyone should be protected from exposure to unsolicited material that they find offensive;\n\n(d) the need to take account of community concerns about:\n\n(i) depictions that condone or incite violence, particularly sexual violence; and\n\n(ii) the portrayal of persons in a demeaning manner.\n\nEach principle is carefully considered by the Board in the decision making process.\n\nThe concept of demeaning spelt out in the Code applies in making decisions across all of the classification categories. It refers to descriptions and depictions, directly or indirectly sexual in nature, which debase or appear to debase the person or the character described or depicted.\n\nThe Code names and broadly describes the four classification categories for publications:\n\nUnrestricted\n\nCategory 1 - Restricted\n\nCategory 2 - Restricted\n\nRC (Refused Classification)\n\nThe Guidelines describe in more detail the scope and limits of material suitable for each classification category. Separate guidelines exist for the classification of films (including videos) and computer games. Both the Code and the Guidelines are agreed to by Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers with censorship responsibilities.\n\nBy law, the Board must apply both the Code and the Guidelines when making classification decisions. The Board must also take into account matters set out in section 11 of the Classification Act.\n\nThe relevant part of section 11 states:\n\nThe matters to be taken into account in making a decision on the classification of a publication include:\n\n(a) the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults; and\n\n(b) the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the publication; and\n\n(c) the general character of the publication, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character; and\n\n(d) the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published.\n\nBrief history\n\nThe classification and prohibition of publications was the duty of permanent officers in the Customs Department until the early 1970’s, when the responsibility for the classification of publications was transferred to the Attorney-General’s Department.\n\nOn 1 February 1984 the ACT Classification of Publications Ordinance (COPO) came into effect. The Commonwealth introduced the Ordinance in the ACT as model legislation for the States and the Northern Territory, covering the sale and hire of videotapes and publications. Publications were submitted for classification on a voluntary basis and classified under guidelines which covered the classification categories set up under the Ordinance.\n\nIn 1992 revised guidelines were drawn up and agreed to by State, Territory and Federal Ministers responsible for censorship. Since that time the Guidelines have been made publicly available in order to help consumers and industry representatives better understand the classification system.\n\nWith the commencement of the Commonwealth Classification Act in January 1996, the National Classification Code came into effect and the classification of publications became a function of the Classification Board.\n\nThese Guidelines have been revised to reflect the criteria of the National Classification Code and community standards.\n\nConsultation process\n\nThe Guidelines are revised from time to time in consultation with members of the public, community groups and organisations, including contributors to research. The views of complainants, industry groups and other interested parties are sought. The revised guidelines are scrutinised by a language expert; community input and responses are reviewed by an independent person with expertise in the area of censorship and classification. Once approved by Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers, the Guidelines must be formally gazetted and tabled in the respective Parliaments.\n\nGuidelines contents and use\n\nPurpose\n\nThe Board is legally required to apply both the Code and the Guidelines when making classification decisions. The role of the Guidelines is to amplify the criteria set out in the Code. Board members are therefore the primary audience for the Guidelines.\n\nThe Guidelines are also of interest to, and used by, members of the publications industry and members of the general public.\n\nObjectivity / flexibility\n\nThe Guidelines aim to be as objective as possible, while retaining the flexibility needed to accommodate matters such as those set out in section 11 of the Classification Act.\n\nIn describing classification criteria, the Guidelines sometimes use language which can be interpreted in a number of ways. To clarify the way words are used in the Guidelines, a Glossary of terms is included (see page 18).\n\nCriteria\n\nEach classification category contains a list of the criteria used by the Board when making classification decisions. These criteria relate to such classifiable elements as violence, sex, drug use, nudity, adult themes and coarse language.\n\nImpact\n\nIn considering each element, the Board makes classification decisions based on the impact of individual elements and their cumulative effect. Both the content and treatment of elements contribute to the impact. The Board takes into account the concepts underlying individual descriptions and depictions, and assesses factors such as emphasis, tone, frequency, context and the amount of visual or written detail in those descriptions and depictions.\n\nThe Guidelines clearly delineate between ‘descriptions’ and ‘depictions’, and in some cases ‘references’, in order to be able to describe, where appropriate, the different impact levels of images and text. Descriptions are representation through text. Generally, they are more detailed and lengthy than references, (which may include, for example, headlines, or captions accompanying photographs). Depictions are representation through image. ‘Realistic depictions’ include photographs; ‘stylised depictions’ include cartoons and other illustrations. Generally, descriptions of classifiable elements may contain more detail than depictions, if the level of impact does not increase as a result. In general, stylised depictions are considered to have less impact than realistic depictions, especially photographs.\n\nThe way in which image, text and concept are combined also contributes to the overall impact, and therefore the classification decision, as does the context in which classifiable elements occur. Context can be established by the general character of the publication itself, by the location and juxtaposition of images and text within the publication, and by the relationship between particular images and text (for example, a caption beneath a photograph).\n\nAge limits\n\nIn accordance with the Code, descriptions and depictions of sexual activity are permitted if they involve ‘consenting adults’. Therefore, descriptions and depictions of sexual activity involving minors under 18 generally warrant ‘RC’ classification as they ‘…deal with matters of sex.. in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults’.\n\nAlso in accordance with the Code, sexualised descriptions and depictions of nudity involving minors under 18 generally warrant ‘RC’ classification as they ‘…deal with matters of sex... in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults’.\n\nFurther, the Code states explicitly that publications which ‘describe or depict in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not)’ will be classified ‘RC’.\n\nBona fide artworks\n\nBona fide artworks are not generally required to be submitted for classification as they are not generally considered to be ‘submittable publications’. Bona fide artworks which may offend some sections of the adult community may be classified in the ‘Unrestricted’ category when set in an historical or cultural context.\n\nLevels of Restriction\n\nState and Territory laws require that ‘submittable publications’ (those likely to warrant restriction to adults) must be submitted to the Board for classification before they can legally be sold, distributed or advertised.\n\nPublications considered to be unsuitable for minors and likely to offend some sections of the adult community are classified in the Restricted categories.\n\nHowever, when making its assessment, the Board may determine that a publication does not warrant restriction to adults. Such publications are classified ‘Unrestricted’. Some publications classified ‘Unrestricted’ may not be recommended for readers under 15 years of age.\n\nLabelling and Consumer advice\n\nIn accordance with State and Territory enforcement legislation, all publications that are classified must be appropriately labelled with an official label showing the classification category and relevant consumer advice.\n\nThe following labels indicate the classification categories:\n\nUNRESTRICTED\n\nCATEGORY 1 - RESTRICTED\n\nCATEGORY 2 - RESTRICTED\n\nConsumer advice is generally not provided for publications.\n\nHowever, material classified ‘Unrestricted’ that is not recommended for readers under fifteen years of age will be labelled with an ‘Unrestricted’ label and consumer advice that reads  \n‘M -Not Recommended for Readers Under 15 Years’.\n\nPublic Display\n\nThe National Classification Code states that minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them, and that everyone should be protected from exposure to unsolicited material that they find offensive.\n\nParticular attention is therefore paid by the Board to the covers of submittable publications to ensure that they are suitable for display in public.\n\nA publication with a cover considered unsuitable for public display that does not in itself warrant ‘Category 2 – Restricted’ or ‘RC’ classification may be classified ‘Category 1 – Restricted’ on the basis that the publication is sealed in a plain opaque wrapper.\n\n  \nThe Guidelines\n\nUNRESTRICTED\n\nThe ‘Unrestricted’ classification encompasses a wide range of material. It is not likely to include material that offends a reasonable adult to the extent that it should be restricted.\n\n‘Unrestricted’ publications may include material that is not recommended for some readers. ‘Unrestricted’ publications that include material that is not recommended for readers under 15 may be required to carry consumer advice labels, as follows: ‘Unrestricted’ - M - not recommended for readers under 15 years.\n\nThe application of this consumer advice label to publications within the ‘Unrestricted’ classification will be determined by the Board in relation to the impact level of the publication.\n\nGenerally, descriptions and depictions of classifiable elements in publications classified ‘Unrestricted’ may contain some detail. However, the impact will not be so strong as to require legal restriction. The impact of covers of ‘Unrestricted’ publications will be low.\n\nPublications which emphasise both violence and sexual activity and/or nudity will not be permitted in this classification category.\n\nPublications which deal with sexual matters and/or nudity should not be exploitative.\n\nBona fide artworks which may offend some sections of the adult community may be classified ‘Unrestricted’ when authentically set in a particular historical or cultural context.\n\n‘Unrestricted’ Contents:\n\nViolence: Generally, descriptions and depictions of violence should not have a high impact or be offensive.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of violence with a high impact must not be:\n\n\\- gratuitous; or\n\n\\- emphasised; or\n\n\\- exploitative.\n\nPublications that emphasise violence, including fighting or combat, in a sporting or career context, such as the armed forces, may be permitted.\n\nProminent and frequent realistic depictions of violence will not be permitted.\n\nStylised depictions of violence may be more detailed and more frequent than realistic depictions if this does not increase the impact.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of violence in a sexual context should be low in impact. They should not be:\n\n\\- gratuitous; or\n\n\\- emphasised.\n\nWritten and visual references to sexual violence must not be:\n\n\\- frequent; or\n\n\\- gratuitous; or\n\n\\- emphasised; or\n\n\\- exploitative.\n\nSex: Descriptions and depictions of, and references to, sexual activity involving consenting adults should not be:\n\n\\- exploitative; or\n\n\\- offensive.\n\nRealistic descriptions of sexual activity involving consenting adults should not be:\n\n\\- gratuitous; or\n\n\\- very detailed.\n\nSexual activity involving consenting adults may be discreetly implied in realistic depictions. It should not be high in impact.\n\nDescriptions and stylised depictions of sexual activity involving consenting adults may be more detailed than realistic depictions if this does not increase the impact.\n\nNudity: Descriptions and depictions of, and references to, nudity should not be:\n\n\\- exploitative; or\n\n\\- offensive.\n\nRealistic depictions of sexualised nudity should not be high in impact. Realistic depictions may contain discreet genital detail but there should be no genital emphasis. Prominent and/or frequent realistic depictions of sexualised nudity containing genitalia will not be permitted. Realistic depictions in which sexual excitement is apparent are not permitted.\n\nStylised depictions of nudity may contain more detail than realistic depictions if this does not increase the impact.\n\nDescriptions of nudity may contain more detail than depictions if this does not increase the impact.\n\nCoarse Language: Coarse language may be used.\n\nCoarse language that is strong, aggressive or sexually detailed should not:\n\n\\- have a high impact; or\n\n\\- be exploitative ; or\n\n\\- be offensive.\n\nAdult Themes: Descriptions and depictions of adult themes should not:\n\n\\- have a high impact; or\n\n\\- be offensive.\n\nThe treatment of themes with a high degree of intensity should be:\n\n\\- discreet;\n\n\\- low in impact; and\n\n\\- not exploitative.\n\nGenerally, the stronger the theme, the more discreet the treatment.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of sexual products and services that are restricted to adults should:\n\n\\- be discreet; and\n\n\\- have a low impact.\n\nDrug Use: Drugs and drug use may be discreetly described and depicted.\n\nDetailed descriptions or depictions of drug use should not:\n\n\\- have a high impact; or\n\n\\- be offensive.\n\nDrug use should not be promoted or encouraged.\n\nThe misuse of non-proscribed drugs should not be promoted or encouraged, nor described in gratuitous detail.\n\n‘Unrestricted’ Covers:\n\nCovers must be suitable for display in public. The impact of any descriptions, depictions and references on covers should be low. Publications with covers which are not suitable for public display will not be permitted in the ‘Unrestricted’ category.\n\nViolence: Written references to violence should be discreet.\n\nRealistic depictions of violence should be discreet. Stylised depictions may contain more detail if the impact remains low.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of sexual violence and non-consent are not permitted.\n\nWritten references to sexual violence and non-consent should be discreet and should not be:\n\n\\- gratuitous; or\n\n\\- exploitative in any way.\n\nSex: Written references to sexual activity involving consenting adults should be discreet.\n\nDepictions which show or imply sexual activity involving consenting adults are not permitted.\n\nNudity: Depictions of nudity should be very discreet. Depictions of sexualised nudity, whether obscured or otherwise, are not permitted.\n\nCoarse Language: Mild coarse language may be acceptable but should not be emphasised. Coarse language that is strong, aggressive or sexually detailed is not permitted.\n\nAdult Themes: Written references to adult themes should be discreet. Depictions of adult themes should be discreet. Promotion of adult sexual products and services should be:\n\n\\- very discreet; and\n\n\\- low in impact.\n\nDrug Use: Generally, drug use should not be described or depicted.\n\nWritten references to drug use should be discreet.\n\nDrug use may not be promoted or encouraged.\n\n  \n\nCATEGORY 1 – RESTRICTED\n\nNot available to persons under 18 years. (Not to be sold in Queensland.)\n\nThis classification is legally restricted to adults. Material which is given a restricted classification is unsuitable for those under 18 years of age. It may offend some sections of the adult community.\n\nMaterial classified ‘Category 1 - Restricted’ must be distributed in a sealed wrapper.\n\nCovers must be suitable for public display. Publications with covers which are considered not suitable for public display will not be permitted in this classification category unless sealed in plain opaque wrapping.\n\nCategory 1 – Restricted Contents:\n\nViolence: Publications which promote, incite or instruct in violence are not permitted.\n\nThe treatment of realistic violence may be detailed. Descriptions and depictions of violence that are excessive are not permitted.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of violence in a sexual context should not be exploitative.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of sexual violence should not be detailed. They should not be:\n\n\\- gratuitous; or\n\n\\- exploitative.\n\nGratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of cruelty or real violence will not be permitted.\n\nSex: Detailed descriptions of sexual activity involving consenting adults may be permitted. However sexual themes with a very high degree of intensity should not be described.\n\nActual sexual activity may not be shown in realistic depictions. Simulated or obscured sexual activity involving consenting adults may be shown in realistic depictions. Genital contact is not permitted to be shown in realistic depictions.\n\nStylised depictions of sexual activity involving consenting adults may be more detailed than realistic depictions.\n\nNudity: Realistic depictions of nudity may contain genital detail and emphasis. Realistic depictions of obvious sexual excitement may be permitted. Realistic depictions may include touching of genitals.\n\nCoarse Language: There are virtually no restrictions on coarse language in this category.\n\nAdult Themes: Themes with a high degree of intensity may be dealt with. The treatment should not be exploitative.\n\nThemes with a very high degree of intensity may be referred to, but not described in detail. The treatment should not be exploitative.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of fetishes should not be exploitative. Descriptions and depictions of fetishes in which non-consent or physical harm are apparent are not permitted. Descriptions and depictions of revolting and abhorrent phenomena are not permitted.\n\nDescriptions of fetishes may contain detail.\n\nDepictions of mild fetishes may be permitted.\n\nDepictions of stronger fetishes are not permitted.\n\nDrug Use: Descriptions and depictions of drug use may be permitted.\n\nDetailed instruction in drug use is not permitted.\n\nDrug use should not be promoted or encouraged.\n\nCategory 1 – Restricted Covers: As for ‘Unrestricted’.\n\n  \n\nCATEGORY 2 \\- RESTRICTED\n\nNot available to persons under 18 years. (Not to be sold in Queensland.)\n\nThis category is legally restricted to adults. Material which is given a restricted classification is unsuitable for those under 18 years of age. It may offend some sections of the adult community.\n\nMaterial classified ‘Category 2 - Restricted’ may not be publicly displayed and may only be displayed in premises that are restricted to adults.\n\nThe classification criteria for the covers of ‘Category 2 - Restricted’ publications are therefore the same as for the contents of ‘Category 2 - Restricted’ publications.\n\nCategory 2 – Restricted Contents and Covers:\n\nViolence: as for ‘Category 1 - Restricted’.\n\nSex: Detailed descriptions of sexual activity involving consenting adults may be permitted.\n\nActual sexual activity involving consenting adults may be realistically depicted.\n\nNudity: Realistic depictions of nudity may include actual sexual activity.\n\nCoarse Language: as for ‘Category 1 - Restricted’.\n\nAdult Themes: The treatment of themes with a very high degree of intensity should not be exploitative.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of stronger fetishes may be permitted.\n\nDescriptions and depictions of fetishes in which non-consent or physical harm are apparent are not permitted.\n\nDepictions of revolting and abhorrent phenomena may be permitted. Stylised depictions and written descriptions may be more detailed than realistic depictions.\n\nDrug Use: As for ‘Category 1 - Restricted’.\n\nRC Refused Classification\n\nPublications which contain elements which exceed those set out in the above classification categories are classified ‘RC’.\n\nPublications which fall within the criteria for ‘RC’ classification cannot be legally imported or sold in Australia.\n\nThe National Classification Code sets out the criteria for classifying a publication ‘RC’. These include publications that:\n\n• describe, depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified; or\n\n• describe or depict in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, a person who is or appears to be, a child under 18 (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not), or;\n\n• promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence.\n\nPublications that appear to purposefully debase or abuse for the enjoyment of readers/viewers, and which lack moral, artistic or other values to the extent that they offend against generally accepted standards of morality, decency and propriety will be classified ‘RC’.\n\nPublications will be classified ‘RC’ :\n\n(a) if they promote or provide instruction in paedophile activity;\n\nor if they contain:\n\n(b) descriptions or depictions of child sexual abuse or any other exploitative or offensive descriptions or depictions involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 ;\n\n(c) detailed instruction in:\n\n(i) matters of crime or violence,\n\n(ii) the use of proscribed drugs;\n\n(d) realistic depictions of bestiality;\n\nor if they contain gratuitous, exploitative or offensive descriptions or depictions of:\n\n(e) violence with a very high degree of impact which are excessively frequent, emphasised or detailed;\n\n(f) cruelty or real violence which are very detailed or which have a high impact;\n\n(g) sexual violence;\n\n(h) sexualised nudity involving minors;\n\n(i) sexual activity involving minors;\n\nor if they contain exploitative descriptions or depictions of:\n\n(j) violence in a sexual context;\n\n(k) sexual activity accompanied by fetishes or practices which are revolting or abhorrent;\n\n(l) incest fantasies or other fantasies which are offensive or revolting or abhorrent.\n\n  \nGLOSSARY OF TERMS\n\nAbuse: Maltreat or assault, especially sexually.\n\nAdult Themes: Adult themes may include references to and depictions associated with issues such as violence, sex, nudity, crime, suicide, drug and alcohol dependency, fetish, death, serious illness, and racism.\n\nCultural context: In relation to bona fide works of art, includes works of literary note.\n\nCoarse language: Mild coarse language might include “bloody” or “bugger” and infrequent use of words such as “shit”.  \nStrong coarse language includes “fuck” language and derivatives.\n\nDemean: A description or depiction, directly or indirectly sexual in nature, which debases or appears to debase the person or the character depicted.\n\nDepiction: Representation through image. Realistic depictions include photographs and illustrations which are close to real life; stylised depictions include cartoons and other unrealistic illustrations and images.\n\nDescription: Representation through text. Generally, descriptions of classifiable elements may contain more detail than depictions.\n\nDetail: The amount of verbal or visual information in the representation of a subject.\n\nDiscreet: With little or no detail and generally not prominent.\n\nDisturb/disturbing: Cause emotional trauma or anguish.\n\nDrug use: The use of proscribed drugs. Proscribed drugs are those specified in Schedule 4 (referred to in Regulation 4A (1A) (e)) of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.\n\nElements: Classifiable elements include violence, sex, adult themes, coarse language, drug use, nudity \\- the Classification Board assesses the impact of these when making classification decisions.\n\nEmphasised: Given prominence or strong focus. Factors include placement (within the publication or on the page), size (of image, article or text), style (including colour, clarity, realism), pose (of model), length of verbal description, and frequency.\n\nExcessive: Treatment which exceeds reasonable limits, especially in terms of detail, length of verbal description or frequency\n\nExploitative: Appearing to purposefully debase or abuse for the enjoyment of readers/viewers, and lacking moral, artistic or other values.\n\nFetish: An object, an action, or a non-sexual part of the body which gives sexual gratification. Mild fetishes include stylised domination and rubberwear. Stronger fetishes include bondage and discipline.\n\nGenital Contact: Genital manipulation, including penetration, in actual sexual activity.\n\nGratuitous: Material which is unwarranted or uncalled for, and included without the justification of a defensible story‑line or artistic merit.\n\nHarm/harmful: Cause damage.\n\nHistorical context: In relation to a bona fide work of art, includes a documentary or biography.\n\nImpact: The strength of the effect on the reader/viewer.\n\nImplied: Depiction/s of a subject in which an act or thing is inferred or indicated without actually being seen.\n\nIntensity: Strength of treatment or subject matter.\n\nMaterial: The covers and content of publications.\n\nNudity: Nudity can consist of frontal or rear below waist visuals, full frontal or full rear visuals for both sexes, or breast nudity for females. The amount of detail is determined not only by the content of the nudity shown, but by other factors including closeness and size of visuals, realism, and clarity.\n\nOffensive: Material which causes outrage or extreme disgust. The Guidelines distinguish between material which may offend some sections of the adult community, and material which offends against generally accepted standards, and is therefore likely to offend most people.\n\nPlain opaque wrapping: Opaque material covering the cover of a publication with the exception of the title of the publication, unless the title itself (including depictions and text) is unsuitable for public display.\n\nPublication: Has the same meaning as ‘publication’ in the Commonwealth Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.\n\nReal: Actual.\n\nRealistic: (see Depiction)\n\nReasonable Adult: Possessing common sense and an open mind, and able to balance personal opinion with generally accepted community standards.\n\nReference: References may be visual or verbal. References refer or relate to classifiable elements such as violence, sex, nudity and drug use.\n\nRevolting and abhorrent\n\nphenomena: Fetishes or practices, sometimes accompanied by sexual activity, which are considered offensive.\n\nSexual Activity: Matters pertaining to sexual acts but not limited only to portrayals of sexual intercourse.\n\nSexual Context: A sexual context may be established by the nature of the publication itself, by the frequency of depictions or descriptions of or implying sexual activity, by the placement (including juxtaposition) of images and text, or by the relationship between image and text (for example a caption accompanying a realistic depiction).\n\nSexual Excitement: Includes the male erection.\n\nSexual Violence: The act of sexual assault or aggression, in which the victim does not consent.\n\nSexualised Nudity: Includes poses, props, text and backgrounds that are sexually suggestive.\n\nSimulation: Simulated sexual activity is not real, but looks realistic.\n\nSubmittable Publication: Has the same meaning as ‘publication’ in the Commonwealth Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.\n\nStylised: (see Depiction)\n\nTone: The quality or feeling of material, such as its sadness, humour, menace, lightness, or seriousness.\n\nTouching of Genitals: Displaying of genitals, or implying sexual activity.\n\nTreatment: The way in which written or pictorial material is handled, with regard to such factors as detail, emphasis and tone.\n\nUnsuitable: Material that is not appropriate to readers/viewers under 18 years because of its ability to harm or disturb.\n\nViolence: Includes not only acts of violence, but also the obvious threat of violence or its result.\n\nViolence in a Sexual Context: Violence in a sexual context, as distinct from sexual violence, refers to a relationship between the elements of violence and sex/sexualised nudity. The relationship may be established by the placement, juxtaposition, style or content of images and text, and/or by a story-line.\n\n> Notes to the Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005\n\n> Note 1\n\n> Note: The Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005 (in force under section 12 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995) as shown in this compilation are amended as indicated in the Tables below.\n\n> Note: > Note: Table of Instruments\n\n| Title                                                                    | Date of FRLI Registration     | Date ofcommencement | Application, saving ortransitional provisions |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------- | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n| Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005                   | 26 May 2005 (see F2005L01285) | 27 May 2005         |                                               |\n| Guidelines for the Classification of Publications Amendment 2008 (No. 1) | 18 Mar 2008 (see F2008L00849) | 19 Mar 2008         | —                                             |\n\n> Note: > Note: Table of Amendments\n\n```html\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"width:445.25pt; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; border-collapse:collapse\"><thead><tr><td colspan=\"2\" style=\"width:434.45pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top\"><p class=\"TableOfAmendHead\" style=\"margin-right:0pt\"><span>ad. = added or inserted</span><span> </span><span>am. = amended</span><span> </span><span>rep. = repealed</span><span> </span><span>rs. = repealed and substituted</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style=\"width:157.9pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top\"><p class=\"TableColHead\"><span>Provision affected</span></p></td><td style=\"width:265.75pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top\"><p class=\"TableColHead\"><span>How affected</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style=\"width:157.9pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top\"><p class=\"TableOfAmend\" style=\"margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt\"><span>Introduction</span><span style=\"width:112.87pt; text-indent:0pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block\">....................</span></p></td><td style=\"width:265.75pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top\"><p class=\"TableOfAmend\" style=\"margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt\"><span>am. 2008 No. 1</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>\n```","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This 2005 version and the 2008 amendment primarily refine and operationalise the National Classification Code and the s.11 factors from the Classification Act — they clarify criteria, add detailed guidance and a glossary, and set out practical measures (labelling, sealing, display rules). They do not materially expand the statutory scope of what may be classified; rather, they translate the existing legislative framework into more detailed, criteria‑based guidance for the Board and stakeholders."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive glossary with many defined terms (e.g. Impact, Exploitative, Reasonable Adult, Sexualised Nudity, etc.).","Multiple classification categories with overlapping but distinct criteria (Unrestricted, Category 1, Category 2, RC).","Frequent conditional and contextual tests (assessment depends on impact, treatment, tone, frequency, context).","Cross-references to external instruments: National Classification Code and section 11 of the Classification Act 1995. ","State/Territory variation explicitly noted (e.g. Queensland does not recognise Restricted categories).","Separate rules for covers vs content, and for public display vs sealed distribution (adds layers of rules).","Numerous subjective qualifiers (‘reasonable adult’, ‘offensive’, ‘exploitative’, ‘gratuitous’) that increase interpretive complexity.","Operational enforcement elements (labelling, sealing, display restrictions, import/sale prohibition for RC) introduce procedural steps and compliance checkpoints."],"plain_english_summary":"**What these Guidelines do (mechanically)**\n\n- The Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005 set out how the Classification Board must decide what category a printed (or otherwise published) work belongs to before it can be legally sold, distributed or publicly displayed in most Australian States and Territories. They are made under section 12 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 and are applied together with the National Classification Code and the matters listed in section 11 of the Act (e.g. community standards, literary/artistic/educational merit, intended audience).\n\n- The Guidelines break publications into four possible outcomes:\n  - Unrestricted (may be sold to everyone; some Unrestricted items may carry consumer advice such as “M – Not recommended for readers under 15”);\n  - Category 1 – Restricted (sale only to adults 18+; must be sealed; not sold in Queensland);\n  - Category 2 – Restricted (sale only to adults 18+; may not be publicly displayed and must only be displayed in adult‑only premises; not sold in Queensland);\n  - RC (Refused Classification) — cannot be legally imported or sold in Australia.\n\n- The Guidelines give the Classification Board detailed criteria to apply when assessing classifiable elements (violence, sex, nudity, drug use, coarse language, adult themes). Decisions rest on the impact of elements and their cumulative effect, taking account of treatment (detail, emphasis, tone, frequency, context) and whether material is exploitative, gratuitous or otherwise offensive to a “reasonable adult.” They also treat covers separately because covers determine public display suitability.\n\n- Practical consequences imposed by the Guidelines include: mandatory submission of “submittable publications” (those likely to be restricted); labelling requirements showing the classification and any consumer advice; sealing/wrapping and display restrictions for certain categories; and an effective sales ban for RC material.\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- Publishers, printers, importers and distributors of books, magazines and other printed publications — they must submit submittable works, may incur fees/time delays, and must label, wrap or restrict display according to classification.\n- Retailers and venues (bookshops, newsagents, adult premises) — required to check classifications, restrict sales by age, and comply with display/wrapping rules.\n- Creators and bona fide artists — artworks are generally not “submittable” but may be classified if controversial; the Guidelines give discretionary treatment for bona fide historical/cultural works.\n- Consumers — adults can access material allowed by the Guidelines; minors are protected by age restrictions; the public is protected from unsolicited offensive covers and displays.\n- State/Territory enforcement authorities — enforcement and some specifics (notably Queensland’s non‑recognition of Restricted categories) are handled at State/Territory level.\n\n**Why it matters**\n\n- The Guidelines operationalise the legal test for what may be sold or displayed: they convert broad statutory principles (protect minors, reflect community standards, allow adults access) into concrete, sometimes finely worded rules about depiction, description and cover content. That affects what publications reach the market, how they may be marketed, and whether some works are effectively excluded (RC).\n\n**Stated purpose and how the Guidelines implement it**\n\n- The Guidelines explicitly claim to reflect contemporary community standards and to balance four Code principles: adult access, protection of minors, protection from unsolicited offensive material, and sensitivity to depictions that condone/incite violence or demean persons. They implement that by listing classifiable elements and by directing the Board to assess impact (detail, emphasis, tone, frequency, context) and cumulative effect.\n\n**Costs, incentives, trade-offs and practical risks**\n\n- Compliance costs and delays: submitting, labelling, sealing and restricting display impose direct costs and administrative steps for publishers, importers and retailers.\n- Market exclusion: an RC finding removes a product from the legal market (no import or sale). Category classifications may reduce audience and sales through restricted display or sealing.\n- Discretion and subjectivity: many controlling concepts are deliberately qualitative — e.g. “impact,” “exploitative,” “reasonable adult,” “gratuitous,” “excessive.” This creates decision‑maker discretion and some legal uncertainty for creators and sellers because the Board evaluates multiple contextual factors (treatment, tone, placement, frequency).\n- Regulatory divergence: enforcement and some rules are state/territory‑based (Queensland’s exception for Restricted categories is an explicit divergence), so market effects and compliance obligations can vary across jurisdictions.\n- Effects on expression and business choices: publishers and creators face incentives to self‑censor or alter content, packaging or marketing to avoid restrictive or RC outcomes; small or new publishers may face proportionally higher compliance burdens.\n- Substitution and enforcement risk: material excluded from physical markets may move online or overseas; that raises enforcement and effectiveness issues for limiting access.\n\n**Concrete mechanisms that concentrate benefits or costs**\n\n- Concentrated costs: individual publishers and retailers bear direct costs of compliance and risk of sales loss. Benefits (easier market access for material classified Unrestricted/Category 1 or 2) are diffuse across adult consumers.\n- Bureaucratic gatekeeping: the Classification Board’s discretionary assessment (guided by the Guidelines and Code) is the operational gate that decides market access and display rules.\n\n**Implementation levers to watch**\n\n- How the Board interprets qualitative terms (e.g. ‘reasonable adult’, ‘impact’, ‘exploitative’) in practice; the Board’s approach will determine how frequently works are restricted or refused.\n- State enforcement differences (Queensland) and labelling/packaging compliance at retail level.\n\nOverall, the Guidelines translate statutory principles into operational tests that determine whether and how publications can enter and be displayed in Australian markets, imposing compliance steps and leaving significant evaluative discretion to the Classification Board."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Guidelines appear consistent with their original purpose under the 1995 Classification Act. The 2008 amendment was minor (updating the Introduction). The document maintains its focus on providing decision-making criteria for publication classification without expanding into new regulatory areas."},"complexity_factors":["Nested conditional logic throughout — many criteria use multiple qualifying conditions (e.g., 'should not be gratuitous; or emphasised; or exploitative')","Distinction between 'descriptions' (text), 'depictions' (images), and 'references' (brief mentions) with different rules applying to each","18 defined terms in the Glossary, many of which are themselves cross-referenced (e.g., 'Depiction' refers to 'Realistic' and 'Stylised')","Context-dependent assessments requiring evaluative judgment rather than bright-line rules (e.g., 'discreet', 'low impact', 'exploitative')","Different rules for covers versus contents within the same classification category","State/Territory variation — Queensland does not recognise Restricted categories, creating a jurisdictional exception","Cumulative impact assessment — Board must weigh multiple elements together rather than applying isolated tests","Cross-references to the National Classification Code and Classification Act 1995, requiring external statutory context"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this is:** These are the official rules that tell the Classification Board (the people who rate magazines, books, and other printed material in Australia) how to decide what age rating a publication gets.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Publishers and sellers** of magazines, books, and printed material — they must submit \"submittable publications\" (adult material) for classification before selling\n- **Consumers** — determines what you can legally buy and where publications can be displayed\n- **The Classification Board** — they must follow these rules when making decisions\n\n**The four ratings explained:**\n\n| Rating | What it means |\n|--------|---------------|\n| **Unrestricted** | Anyone can buy it. Some may carry \"M\" (not recommended under 15) advice. Covers must be suitable for public display. |\n| **Category 1 – Restricted** | Adults only (18+). Must be sold in sealed wrapper. Covers must still be suitable for public display. **Cannot be sold in Queensland.** |\n| **Category 2 – Restricted** | Adults only (18+). Cannot be publicly displayed at all — only sold in adult-only premises. Allows more explicit content than Category 1. **Cannot be sold in Queensland.** |\n| **RC (Refused Classification)** | Banned. Cannot be legally imported or sold in Australia. Includes child sexual abuse material, detailed crime instructions, and content that \"offends against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults.\" |\n\n**Key things the Board looks at:**\n- **Impact** — how strong the effect is on the reader (considering tone, context, frequency, and detail)\n- **Descriptions vs depictions** — text can generally have more detail than images; cartoons/stylised images have less impact than photographs\n- **Context matters** — historical or cultural context can make otherwise offensive material acceptable (e.g., bona fide artworks)\n- **Covers are crucial** — even if contents are restricted, covers must meet public display standards or the publication must be wrapped\n\n**Why it matters:** These guidelines balance two competing principles: (1) adults should be free to read what they want, and (2) minors must be protected from harmful material. They also create a national standard so publishers know the rules, though Queensland opts out of the two \"Restricted\" categories entirely."},"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"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005","history":"/api/acts/guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005/history","analysis":"/api/acts/guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/guidelines-for-the-classification-of-publications-2005/documents"}}