Classification criteriaClassification criteria

Part 2 Guidelines for the Classification of Films

Introduction to the Guidelines

Background

The Guidelines for the Classification of Films (the Guidelines) are a tool for classifying films. They help explain the different classification categories, and the scope and limits of material suitable for each category. They are revised from time to time, with extensive community input.

The legal context

The national classification scheme is based on:

• the Commonwealth Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act), and
• a cooperative agreement between Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.

Under the scheme, the Commonwealth makes the classification decisions, and the States and Territories enforce them.

The Act contains a National Classification Code (the Code). It also allows Guidelines to be made. By agreement, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers can vary the Code and the Guidelines.

The Act requires films and computer games to be classified, using the Code and the Guidelines, before they are released or advertised.

Classification decisions are made by the Classification Board. Its decisions can be reviewed by the Classification Review Board. Administrative support for both Boards is provided by the Australian Government Attorney‑General’s Department.

Classification categories

The Act names the classification categories for films, and the Code describes them. The categories are:

• G
• PG
• M
• MA 15+
• R 18+
• X 18+
• RC

Classification criteria

The Act

Under the Act, each of the following matters must be taken into account in classifying films:

(a) the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults;

(b) the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the publication, film or computer game;

(c) the general character of the publication, film or computer game, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character;

(d) the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published.

The Code

Under the Code, classification decisions are to give effect, as far as possible, to the following principles:

(a) adults should be able to read, hear, see and play what they want;

(b) minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them;