Australian Classification Board

{{Short description|Classification agency of films, video games and literary works in Australia}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Distinguish|Australian Classification Review Board}} {{Infobox government agency | agency_name = Classification Board | formed = {{Start date and age|1917}} (as Commonwealth Film Censorship Board) | logo = [[File:Australian Classification Board logo.svg|200px|class=skin-invert]] | logo_size = | jurisdiction = Commonwealth of Australia | superseding = | minister1_name = [[Anika Wells]] | minister1_pfo = [[Minister for Communications (Australia)|Minister for Communications]] | parent_agency = [[Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts]] (current parent agency), [[Department of Communications and the Arts]] (until 2020), OFLC (until 2006), [[Australian Classification Review Board]] (sister agency) | website = {{Url|https://www.classification.gov.au}} }}

The '''Australian Classification Board''' ('''ACB''' or '''CB''') is an Australian [[Government of Australia|government]] [[Statute|statutory]] body responsible for the classification and censorship of films, [[television program]]mes, [[video game]]s and [[publication]]s for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia. The ACB is located in Sydney.

The ACB was established in 1917 as the Commonwealth Film Censorship Board. In 1988 it was [[Incorporation (business)|incorporated]] for administrative purposes into the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC),<ref>{{cite book |last=Griffith |first=Gareth |date=March 2002 |title=Censorship in Australia: Regulating the Internet and other recent developments |url=https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Pages/censorship-in-australia-regulating-the-internet-.aspx |isbn=0-7313-17076 |archive-date=19 August 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819134841/https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Pages/censorship-in-australia-regulating-the-internet-.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> until its dissolution in 2006. Following the [[legislative]] changes enacted in the ''Commonwealth Classification Act 1995'', it became known as the ''Classification Board''.

The ACB is made up of a [[Director general|director]], a deputy director, and three other [[board member]]s, appointed by the government for three- or four-year terms, and temporary board members.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/classification-board |title=Classification Board |access-date=7 April 2021 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417232754/https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/classification-board |url-status=live }}</ref> The ACB does not directly [[Censorship|censor]] material by ordering cuts or changes. However, it is able to effectively censor media by refusing classification and making the media illegal for hire, exhibition and importation to Australia.

The classification system has several levels of "restricted" categories, prohibiting sale, exhibition or use of some materials to those who are under a prescribed age. Some [[documentaries]] and films (those made for [[Educational film|educational]] or [[Training film|training]] purposes, for instance) are exempt from classification under certain conditions.

== History ==

=== Early film classification === The Commonwealth Film Censorship Board was created in 1917 to view, classify, and censor films imported from overseas. In the early years of the system there were 3 ratings:<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-10-24|title=Exit the ghouls|author=Rebecca Boyle|url=https://www.naa.gov.au/blog/exit-ghouls|access-date=2024-08-19|website=National Archives of Australia|archive-date=6 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806150152/https://www.naa.gov.au/blog/exit-ghouls|url-status=live}}</ref>

*''G'' for "general audiences" *''A'' for "not suitable for children" *''SOA'' for "suitable for adults only"

All ratings were advisory in nature and while distributors were required to display them on advertising, there were no restrictions on children's attendance. As such, films with adult ratings were still routinely censored.

=== 1970s–1980s classifications reform ===

Customs Minister [[Don Chipp]] announced significant classification reform in 1970, including published decision registrars and the requirement of cinemas to legally restrict attendees. This ushered in a new era of film classification rather than censorship, and was enacted in 1971. The new ratings introduced were:

*''G'' for "general exhibition; suitable for everyone" *''NRC'' for "not recommended for children under 12" *''M'' for "mature audiences; suitable for persons 15 years and over" *''[[18 rating|R]]'' for "restricted exhibition; children aged 3-17 are not admitted"<ref name=rating/>

In 1984, the ''NRC'' rating was renamed ''PG'', due to confusion from parents about whether its content was stronger than ''M''.

=== 1990s; Modifications and computer game classifications=== In 1993, the ''MA 15+'' rating was introduced to flag content that was too strong for the ''M'' classification, but not so much so that the content should be restricted only to persons over the age of 18.<ref name=rating>Cole, R., Driscoll, C., & Grealy, L. (2018). Classifying adulthood: A history of governing minority in media classification. In Youth, Technology, Governance, Experience (p. 74). Routledge.</ref> Until 1997, the prescribed marking for the MA15+ rating was, "Restrictions apply to persons under 15 years", before it was later changed to "Persons under 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian" once [[DVD]] became prevalent.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 March 1995|title=FILM AND COMPUTER GAME CLASSIFICATION ACT 1984—REGULATION |author=J. P. Hannaford|url=https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/num_reg/facgcr19951995138415.pdf|access-date=16 October 2025|publisher=[[Australasian Legal Information Institute]]}}</ref> The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) was reorganised in 1994, and oversaw the ACB.

A separate classification system was introduced in 1994 for computer and video games. Despite its use of similar ratings names, these were backed by a distinct and stricter set of guidelines. The [[OFLC]] Annual Report for 1993-94 cited ministerial concern that "games, because of the “interactive” nature, may have greater impact, and therefore greater potential for harm or detriment, on young minds than film or videotape".

The four ratings were:

*''G'' for "general; suitable for all ages" *''G 8+'' for "general; suitable for children 8 years and over" *''M 15+'' for "mature; suitable for children 15 years and over" *''MA 15+'' for "mature - restricted; restricted to persons 15 years and over"

===2000s–present=== In 2005 the OFLC was dissolved and supervision of the ACB transferred to the [[Attorney-General's Department (Australia)|attorney-general's department]]. The current colour-coded classification markings for films and computer games were introduced in May 2005. Moreover, the age descriptors and markers for the advisory ratings such as PG and M15+ were removed. As such, on the descriptors of posters, streaming and home video, the PG rating now only has the signifier, "Parental guidance recommended", and the M rating has "Recommended for mature audiences", without any reference to 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005|title=Annual Report 2004–2005|url=https://www.classification.gov.au/About/AnnualReports/Documents/673.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321223603/https://www.classification.gov.au/About/AnnualReports/Documents/673.pdf|archive-date=2019-03-21|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Australian Classification Board}}</ref>

In 2005, video and computer games became subject to the same classification ratings and restrictions as films, such as G 8+ being replaced by PG (with the exception of the ''R 18+'' and ''X 18+'' ratings), in response to confusion by parents.<ref>{{Cite news|edition=1 – State |page=11 |title=Games get film ratings |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=6 July 2005 |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15534581-421,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050609030406/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C10117%2C15534581-421%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite a line in the ''National Classification Code'' stating that "adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want", the adults-only ''R 18+'' classification was not applied to video games in Australia until 1 January 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2013C00006 |title=The Classification Code; May 2005 |date=January 2013 |access-date=24 May 2014 |archive-date=7 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107082557/https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2013C00006 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Department of Communications and the Arts provided administrative support to the ACB from 2006 until 2020, when it was merged into the 'mega department' of the [[Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications]]. Decisions made by the ACB may be reviewed by the [[Australian Classification Review Board]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/classification-review-board|title=Review Board|website=www.classification.gov.au|access-date=2016-04-30|archive-date=19 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419212550/https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/classification-review-board|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2014, the ACB introduced amendments to allow for the automated classification process employed by the [[International Age Rating Coalition]] (IARC). This new process reduces the costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/09/01/getting-digitally-distributed-games-classified-in-australia-to-be-cost-free|title = Getting Digitally-Distributed Games Classified in Australia to be Cost-Free – IGN|date = September 2014|access-date = 1 September 2014|archive-date = 1 September 2014|archive-url = https://archive.today/20140901180920/http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/09/01/getting-digitally-distributed-games-classified-in-australia-to-be-cost-free|url-status = live}}</ref> In January 2019, for the first time, [[Netflix]] was given the go-ahead to self-regulate film and television classification on its streaming platform, allowing the company to rank content between ''G'' and ''R 18+''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/netflix-gets-approval-to-classify-own-shows-after-two-year-trial-20190120-p50sim.html |title=Netflix gets approval to classify own shows after two-year trial |access-date=6 October 2019 |archive-date=20 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320035121/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/netflix-gets-approval-to-classify-own-shows-after-two-year-trial-20190120-p50sim.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Overview == The board operates on a procedure that primarily involves [[decision-making]]. The members must communicate their views clearly and appreciate the views of others. Board members would be exposed to a wide range of material, including content that is confronting and offensive. Every film and computer game has to be classified before it can be legally made available to the public. Some [[publications]] also need to be classified. Failure to give classification (especially for unclassified material that is likely to be classified ''RC'') is an implicit [[ban (law)|ban]] (except for exempt films, games, and publications). It is an offence "to display, demonstrate, sell, hire, publicly exhibit or advertise a film or computer game" without having it classified. Some films and documentaries (such as [[current affairs (news format)|current affairs]] and those created for business, scientific and [[Video lesson|education]] purposes) are exempt from classification unless, if classified, they would be ''M'' or above.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.artslaw.com.au/info-sheets/info-sheet/classification-and-censorship/|title = Classification and censorship| date=20 June 2019 }}</ref>

There are legal age restrictions for the ratings of ''MA 15+'' and ''R 18+''. ''X 18+'' is a special restriction rating for pornographic content. ''X 18+'' is limited only to films, and the highest rating for video games remains ''R 18+''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Classification|first=The Australian|date=2019-08-09|title=What do the ratings mean?|url=https://www.classification.gov.au/classification-ratings/what-are-ratings|access-date=2020-06-26|website=www.classification.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921102544/https://www.classification.gov.au/classification-ratings/what-are-ratings|url-status=live}}</ref> Should a game contain content not suitable for or exceeding the boundaries of an ''R 18+'' rating (often explicit sexual content or nudity), that game is usually either ''modified'' (censored) or, rarely, ''refused classification'' (banned) (an exception to this was made for ''[[The Last of Us Part II]]'', where the game was not censored despite containing nudity).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Classification|first=The Australian|date=2020-05-30|title=THE LAST OF US PART II|url=https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/last-us-part-ii|access-date=2020-06-26|website=www.classification.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607172836/https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/last-us-part-ii|url-status=live}}</ref> The other classification categories (''G'', ''PG'' and ''M'') are merely recommendations and they are not submitted to legal age restrictions. ''RC'' (banned) material cannot be sold, hired or distributed to anyone. A film or video game's context is crucial in determining whether a classifiable element is justified by the story-line or themes.

The ACB decides what consumer advice accompanies each classification. They indicate the elements in films and computer games which caused the classification and help consumers make choices about what they read, view or play. There are six classifiable elements for films: ''themes'' (rape, suicide, racism, etc.), ''violence'' (the level of violence and how threatening it is in its context), ''sex'' (intercourse and references to sex), ''language'' (the level of coarse language), ''drug use'' (the use of, and references to, drugs) and ''nudity'' (the explicitness of nudity). Consumer advice appears with the classification symbol on products, packaging and in advertisements. Consumer advice is not given if the element in question would be acceptable at a lower classification.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.classification.gov.au/classification-ratings/whats-ok-for-children|title = What's ok for children?|date = 9 August 2019|access-date = 23 May 2014|archive-date = 29 October 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191029114513/http://www.classification.gov.au/Public/Resources/Pages/Parents.aspx|url-status = live}}</ref> By August 2020, the ACB added another category for video games related to [[microtransaction]]s, with any game including them listing ''in-game purchases'' alongside these other themes.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/17/australian-government-rules-games-microtransactions-must-address-packaging/ | title = Australian government rules that games with microtransactions must address them in box art | first = Cian | last = Maher | date = 17 August 2020 | access-date = 17 August 2020 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = 19 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210419222624/https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/17/australian-government-rules-games-microtransactions-must-address-packaging/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Film festival]]s and institutions such as [[Australian Centre for the Moving Image]] (ACMI) may apply to the ACB for an exemption from classification for the purpose of screening at a particular film festival or event. If the ACB believes an unclassified work, in their estimation, would receive an X 18+ classification if it were to be classified they would not grant an exemption for public screening, as an X 18+ cannot be exhibited. The ACB may require film festivals to have age-restricted entrance to a festival or screening. The ACB also classifies material submitted by the police, the [[Australian Customs and Border Protection Service]] and the [[Australian Communications and Media Authority]]. The board does not classify live performances, audio CDs and television shows. Television is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.<ref>{{Cite news | page = 7 | last = Canna | first = Xavier La | title = New classifications pave way for R-rated games | work = The Age | location = Australia | access-date = 2012-08-05 | date = 6 June 2005 | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/New-classifications-pave-way-for-Rrated-games/2005/06/05/1117910187614.html | archive-date = 17 October 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151017193401/http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/New-classifications-pave-way-for-Rrated-games/2005/06/05/1117910187614.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Film classification also normally applies to Internet streaming services. The ACB now operates under the ''Commonwealth Classification Act 1995''.

== Film and video game classifications ==

=== Unrestricted/Advisory === The classifications below are ''unrestricted'' and may suggest ''parental advisory'', but do not otherwise impose any legal restrictions on access to or distribution of material.<ref name="cats explained">{{cite web |title=What do the ratings mean? |publisher=Australian Classification Board |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/classification-ratings/what-are-ratings |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921102544/https://www.classification.gov.au/classification-ratings/what-are-ratings |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Fact Sheets">{{cite web |last=Clare |first=Jason (Minister for Justice) |title=Guidelines for the Classification of Films 2012 |date=10 December 2012 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L02541 |access-date=10 May 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065032/https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L02541 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" ! Classification ! Description |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Exempt_(E,_small).svg|90px]] [[File:Australian Classification Exempt (E) Large.svg|280px]] ''Exempt'' ('''''E''''') | Only very specific types of material (including educational material and artistic performances) can be exempted from classification, and the material cannot contain anything that exceeds the constraints of the ''PG'' classification.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/for-industry/exemptions-and-modifications/films-and-computer-games-exempt-classification |title=Films and computer games exempt from classification |website=Australian Classification |access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306060700/https://www.classification.gov.au/for-industry/exemptions-and-modifications/films-and-computer-games-exempt-classification |archive-date=6 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The assessment of exemption may be made by the distributor or exhibitor (self-assessed) without needing to submit the product for certification by the ACB. Self-assessed exempt films cannot use the official marking, although it is advised that films and computer games that are self-assessed as exempt display, "This film/computer game is exempt from classification". |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_General_(G).svg|90px]] [[File:Australian Classification General (G) Large.svg|280px]] ''General ('''G''')'' | Contains material available for general viewing, i.e. suitable for viewing by persons of all ages. This category does not necessarily designate a children's film or game. Although not mandatory at this category, the board may provide consumer information, usually in relation to impacts on very young children. The content is very mild in impact. * ''Themes'' should have a very low sense of threat or menace, and be justified by context. * ''Violence'' should have only a low sense of threat or menace, and be justified by context. * ''Sexual activity'' should be very mild and very discreetly implied, and be justified by context. * ''Coarse language'' should be very mild and infrequent, and be justified by context. * ''Drug use'' should be implied only very discreetly, and be justified by context. * ''Nudity'' should be justified by context. |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Parental_Guidance_(PG).svg|90px]] [[File:OFLC large PG.svg|280px]] ''Parental Guidance ('''PG''')'' | Contains material that is not recommended for viewing by persons under the age of 15 without guidance from parents or guardians. This category includes material that younger viewers may find confusing or upsetting. The content is mild in impact. * ''Themes'' should have a very low sense of threat or menace, and be justified by context. * ''Violence'' should be mild and infrequent, and be justified by context. Sexual violence is not permitted. * ''Sexual activity'' should be mild and discreetly implied, and be justified by context. * ''Coarse language'' should be mild and infrequent, and be justified by context. * ''Sex, nudity and drug use'' should be mild, infrequent, "discreetly implied" and "justified by context". * ''Drug use and nudity'' should be justified by context. |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Mature_(M).svg|90px]] [[File:OFLC large M.svg|280px]] ''Mature ('''M''')'' | Contains material that is recommended for viewing by persons aged 15 years and over. However, people under 15 may legally access such material since this category carries no legal restrictions. This category includes material that may require a mature perspective, but is not deemed too strong for younger viewers. The content is moderate in impact, although in recent years, the "moderate" indicator prefix is omitted from the consumer advice, e.g. "moderate violence" is referred to as "violence". * ''Themes'' may have a moderate sense of threat or menace, if justified by context. * ''Moderate violence'' is permitted, if "justified by context". Sexual violence should be very limited and justified by context. * ''Sexual activity'' should be discreetly implied, if "justified by context". * ''Coarse language'' may be used. Aggressive or strong coarse language should be infrequent and justified by context. * ''Drug use and nudity'' should be justified by context. |}

=== Restricted === By contrast, the classifications below are legally ''restricted'', as explicitly indicated by the black banner at the bottom of the classification label. It is illegal to sell or exhibit material with these classifications to anyone younger than the stated minimum age and is punishable by fines under state laws.<ref name="cats explained"/><ref name="Fact Sheets"/>

{| class="wikitable" ! Classification ! Description |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Mature_15+_(MA_15+).svg|90px]] [[File:Australian Classification Mature 15+ (MA 15+) Large.svg|280px]] ''Mature Accompanied ('''MA 15+''')'' | Contains material that is considered unsuitable for exhibition to persons under the age of 15. People under 15 may legally purchase, rent, exhibit or view such content, but only under the supervision of a parent or adult guardian. A person may be asked to show proof of age before purchasing or hiring an ''MA 15+'' film or computer game at a retail store or cinema. The content is strong in impact. * ''Realistic violence'' of medium intensity is permitted. Violent depictions with a "high degree or realism" is accepted only if "justified by context". Stylised violence, however, can be "more detailed". * ''Strong violence'' is permitted, although if it is bloody and strong, it should be "infrequent" or "justified by context". * ''Sexual violence'' is permitted only if it is "not frequent, gratuitous or exploitative". * ''Sexual activity'' may be "discreetly implied" or "simulated". * ''Nudity'' is permitted, but in a sexual context, it should "not be exploitative". * ''Frightening or intense scenes'' should "not disturb a reasonable adult". * ''Aggressive and very strong coarse language'' may be used, but it should "not be exploitative". * ''Drug use'' may be depicted, but not in an "advocatory manner". * ''Themes'', if strong, should be justified by context. |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Restricted_18+_(R_18+).svg|90px]] [[File:Australian Classification Restricted 18+ (R 18+) Large.svg|280px]] ''Restricted ('''R 18+''')'' | Contains material that is considered unsuitable for exhibition to persons under the age of 18. People under 18 may not legally purchase, rent, exhibit or view ''R 18+'' classified content. A person may be asked for proof of age before purchasing, hiring or viewing an ''R 18+'' film or computer game at a retail store or cinema. Some material classified ''R 18+'' may be offensive to sections of the adult community. The content is high in impact. This rating is the highest that can be given to computer games. * ''Realistic and explicit depictions of violence'' are permitted, but violence that is "frequently gratuitous, cruel, exploitative and offensive to a reasonable adult" is not. * ''Themes'' can have a "very high degree of intensity" but should not be "exploitative". * ''Sexual violence'' is permitted only to the extent that it is "necessary to the narrative" and "not exploitative" or "not shown in detail". * ''Sexual activity'' can be "realistically simulated", but depictions of "[[Unsimulated sex|actual sexual activity]]" are not permitted. However, several films containing artistic depictions of real sexual activity such as ''[[Romance (1999 film)|Romance]]'' and ''[[Nymphomaniac (film)|Nymphomaniac]]'' have been passed with the R 18+ classification. * ''Drug use'' can be shown, but "not gratuitously detailed", and should also "not be promoted or encouraged". For computer games, drug use related to "incentives and rewards" is not permitted. * ''Nudity'' in a sexual context should "not include obvious genital contact". * ''Coarse language'' is virtually unrestricted. |- | {{anchor|R18+}} [[File:Australian_Classification_Restricted_18+_(X_18+).svg|90px]] [[File:Australian Classification Restricted 18+ (X 18+) Large.svg|280px]] ''Restricted ('''X 18+''')'' | Contains material that is [[Pornography|pornographic]] in nature. People under 18 may not legally purchase, rent, possess, exhibit or view these films. The exhibition or sale of these films to people under the age of 18 years is a criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of $13,750. Films classified as ''X 18+'' are banned (via state government legislation) from being sold or rented in all Australian states, but are legal to possess (except in prescribed parts of the [[Northern Territory]]) and are legally available to purchase only in the [[Australian Capital Territory]] and the Northern Territory. Importing ''X 18+'' material from these territories to the states is legal (as the [[Australian Constitution]] forbids any restrictions on trade between the states and territories). The content is sexually explicit and is therefore very high in impact. * This rating applies to films that "depict unsimulated sexual content only". Depictions of sexual violence, coercion and "sexually assaultive" language are not permitted in the category. Fetishes such as body piercing, [[urolagnia]], [[Bondage (BDSM)|bondage]], [[BDSM|spanking]] or [[fisting]] are also not permitted. |}

=== Other labels === {| class="wikitable" ! Classification ! Description |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Refused_Classification_(RC).svg|90px]] {{visible anchor|Refused Classification (''RC'')|RC}} | Contains material that, while being (in most cases) legal to possess, is considered offensive to the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by a "reasonable adult" to such an extent that it should not be classified. In Australia, all films and video games must be classified by law, and works that are refused classification by the ACB are legally banned from sale, hire or public exhibition, carrying a maximum [[Fine (penalty)|fine]] of $825,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment if an individual or organisation is found to be in breach of this. It is legal for people over 18 to possess ''RC'' films and games, except in [[Western Australia]] and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory and/or if they contain illegal content (such as [[child pornography|child abuse material]]). The content is very high in impact. * Films and games that exceed the ''X 18+'' and ''R 18+'' ratings (respectively) are refused classification by the ACB. Content that may be refused classification includes, but is not limited to: ** Detailed instruction or promotion in matters of crime or violence ** Promotion or provision of instruction in paedophile activity ** 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 years ** Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of: *** violence with a very high degree of impact or which are excessively frequent, prolonged or detailed *** cruelty or real violence which are very detailed or which have an extremely high impact *** sexual violence ** Depictions of practices such as bestiality, necrophilia or other practices that are considered revolting or abhorrent ** Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of: *** activity accompanied by fetishes or practices that are offensive or abhorrent *** incest fantasies or other fantasies that are offensive or abhorrent |- | {{Anchor|Check the classification}}[[File:Australian_Classification_Check_the_Classification_(CTC).svg|90px]] [[File:Australian Classification Check the Classification (CTC) Large.svg|150px]] ''Check the Classification ('''CTC''')'' | The content has been assessed and approved for advertising unclassified films and computer games. "This film has advertising approval. Check the classification closer to the released date" is usually written on the marking. * Any advertising of unclassified films and games must display the ''CTC'' message on posters, trailers, on the Internet, and any other types of advertising. * Once the content is classified, the classification marking replaces the ''CTC'' marking on all advertising material. |}

== Literature ratings == Publications such as books and magazines (though they would also include other printed media such as calendars, cards and catalogues) are required to be classified if they contain depictions or descriptions of sexuality, drugs, nudity or violence that are unsuitable for a [[minor (law)|minor]] or an adult who would take offence if sold as an unrestricted publication.

Publication classifications are most commonly applied to magazines with visual depictions of nudity or sexual activity, such as many [[men's magazines]]. It is uncommon for these ratings to appear on books, even those dealing with adult themes, except in the most controversial cases.

{| class="wikitable" ! Classification ! Description |- | [[File:ACB Unrestricted tag.svg|Unrestricted|220px]] ''Unrestricted'' [[File:ACB Unrestricted 15 tag.svg|Unrestricted M (mature)|220px]] ''Unrestricted with the consumer advice M ('''Mature''')'' | These publications have no legal restrictions and are therefore available to persons of all ages, although content may or may not be suitable for readers under 15 years. |- | [[File:ACB Category 1 Restricted tag.svg|Category 1 restricted|220px]] ''Category 1 Restricted ('''CAT 1''')'' | These publications are not available to persons under 18 years. These may contain images of sexualised nudity. They must be distributed in a sealed wrapper. Their covers must be suitable for public display. |- | [[File:ACB Category 2 Restricted tag.svg|Category 2 restricted|220px]] ''Category 2 Restricted ('''CAT 2''')'' | Just like ''Category 1 Restricted restricted'' publications, they are not available to persons under 18 years. However, they contain explicit images of actual sexual activity which are not permissible under ''Category 1 Restricted'', and may only be displayed in sites that are restricted to adults. Therefore, no publications that are likely to be classified ''Category 2 Restricted'' may be displayed in any public registered event. |- | [[File:Australian_Classification_Refused_Classification_(RC).svg|90px]] ''Refused Classification ('''RC''')'' | ''RC'' publications are banned and cannot be sold or displayed anywhere in Australia.

The ''restricted'' publications are for adults and they are not to be sold to people under 18 (and in [[Queensland]] under state law). They have content, such as nudity or explicit sexual content, that could offend some sections of the adult community. The ''restricted'' categories are subject to various restrictions in different states; for example, one or both categories may only be sold in adults-only premises in certain states. For this reason, some adult magazines are published in two editions in Australia, or just one edited edition which can be sold anywhere with a warning, as ''unrestricted mature''. |}

== Proposals == === Age reference removal === In February 2020, the board proposed to remove the reference to 15 years for ''PG'' and ''M'' classifications and simply just refer to the severity of the material. This is due to a confusion that is caused by each of the categories citing to a 15-year-old, in addition to both the ''PG'' and ''M'' content not being recommended for persons under 15 years. The age reference created confusion for parents and guardians, creating some questions, such as why an ''M'' level film can still be accessed by a person under 15 without guidance because it is not a legally restricted category, when the impact of its material is higher than that of ''PG'' material. There is a confusion for people that comes from knowing the suited audience for ''PG'', ''M'' and ''MA 15+'' films and games due to their definitions that revolve around 15 years of age. The notes in the guidelines that come with the ''PG'', ''M'' and ''MA'' ratings should be read like this:<ref name = infrastructure>[https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/submissions/classification-board.pdf REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN CLASSIFICATION REGULATION Classification Board Submission] ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220133116/https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/submissions/classification-board.pdf |date=20 December 2021 }}) by the ACB. February 2020. Retrieved 21 December 2021.</ref>

* ''PG'': "Content classified ''PG'' may not be of interest to a child or young person. Some content may contain material which some children and young people may find confusing or upsetting and parental guidance is recommended." * ''M'': "Content classified M is not suitable for children. Parental guidance may be required for young people." * ''MA 15+'': "Content classified ''MA 15+'' is legally restricted to people aged 15 years and over. However, young people aged under 15 years can legally access this content when accompanied by an adult who may need to provide guidance. "

=== New rating category === In February 2020, the board had suggested the adoption of a ''[[PG-13]]''-type classification category, which is a rating aimed at young teens (between ''PG'' and ''M''), that addresses the mild+ impact level material. Its adoption was suggested because many films in recent years surpass what conforms to the ''PG'' rating and are, consequentially, pushed up into an ''M'' ("moderate impact") rating category due to their dark themes and peril, despite being films aimed at younger teens. The ''mild+'' category, if introduced, could excel the mild impact level (''PG''), but not so as to require a mature perspective (''M'' classification) and it could be relevant for films with a more significant amount of action or fantasy violence. If the rating is implemented, the non-restricted classifications would read like this:<ref name = infrastructure/>

* ''G'' – General (very mild impact) * ''PG'' – Parental guidance (mild impact) * ''Young person'' (mild+ impact) * ''M'' – Mature (moderate impact)

This would mean the age restrictive numbers (15 and 18) would only be present for the legally-restricted categories of ''MA 15+'', ''R 18+'' and ''X 18+''. The ACB is not suggesting that the new ''PG-13'' rating would be applied retrospectively, but rather prospectively, as was the case when the ''MA 15+'' category was initiated and when ''R 18+'' was adopted for video games. The ACB is also not planning to use the ''PG-13'' title for the new classification category, but a title that does not reference any age, such as ''YP'' for "young person" (or, likely, ''T'' for "teenager").<ref name = infrastructure/>

=== Literature classification === The ACB considers the present classification categories for publications to be redundant, complex, and inappropriate for the digital world. Therefore, the board has proposed the creation of the equivalent film and games classifications of ''M'', ''R 18+'' and ''X 18+'' for publications, like:<ref name = infrastructure/>

* ''Unrestricted'' publication classification – ''M'' * ''Category 1 Restricted'' publication classification – ''R 18+'' * ''Category 2 Restricted'' publication classification – ''X 18+''

== Controversies == {{See also|Australian Classification Review Board}} === Film === {{See also|List of films banned in Australia}}

* [[Pasolini]]'s ''[[Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom]]'' has twice been banned in Australia. The Home Affairs Minister, [[Brendan O'Connor (politician)|Brendan O'Connor]], asked the Classification Review Board to reassess the decision;<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/minister-asks-censors-to-reassess-approval-of-sadistic-film-20100416-skg2.html Minister asks censors to reassess approval of sadistic film] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907003654/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/minister-asks-censors-to-reassess-approval-of-sadistic-film-20100416-skg2.html |date=7 September 2013 }}. SMH (17 April 2010).</ref> however, the review failed to find any fault in the classification. The film was banned in 1998, and was released after two failed attempts in September 2010, when the ''ACB'' classified an uncut version of ''Salò'' ''R 18+'', mainly due to extra material providing greater context. * In 1992, Island World Communications Ltd and [[Manga Entertainment]] Australia Ltd had ''[[Urotsukidoji]]: Legend of the Overfiend'' submitted to the ''OFLC''. It was the first animated feature to be banned in Australia and the feature was banned outright, similar to ''[[Violence Jack]]''. ''Urotsukidoji'' was then censored to meet the OFLC's standards. The Australian version is the most censored in the Western world. Many fans of [[anime]] imported uncensored versions of ''Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend'' from the UK. The rest of the ''Urotsukidoji'' series was censored in Australia, with many still importing or downloading the American versions. * ''[[Ninja Scroll]]'' was originally released in 1994 in Australia by Manga Entertainment Ltd. It originally had the ''MA 15+'' rating on the VHS, but this was overturned in 1997 when [[Phillip Ruddock]] had the anime reviewed after an uncut screening of the movie on the [[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]. A few months later it was given an ''R 18+'' rating and was uncut, then edited again, eventually using the [[BBFC]] cut of it. This was overturned in 2003 when [[Madman Entertainment]] and Manga Entertainment Ltd. released the uncut version. * ''[[Romance (1999 film)|Romance]]'', a new crop within the [[arthouse]] genre, which features short scenes of [[Unsimulated sex|actual sex]] began to attract closer scrutiny. The film was initially refused classification in Australia, before it was awarded an ''R 18+'' on appeal.<ref name="aus">{{cite web|url=http://refused-classification.com/censorship/films/romance-1999.html|title=Romance (1999)|publisher=Refused-Classification.com|access-date=9 December 2011|archive-date=20 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320035141/https://www.refused-classification.com/censorship/films/romance-1999.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It single-handedly paved the way for actual sex to be accommodated in the ''R 18+'' classification in Australia.<ref name="aus"/> * ''[[Baise-moi]]'', a French film about two prostitutes who take violent revenge after being raped.<ref>[http://www.oflc.gov.au/resource.html?resource=92&filename=92.pdf OFLC Classification Review Board Report re Baisez-Moi.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416025140/http://www.oflc.gov.au/resource.html?resource=92&filename=92.pdf |date=16 April 2007 }}</ref> In 2000, the film was classified as ''R 18+''. On 10 May 2002, the film was subsequently banned and pulled from cinemas and still remains prohibited in Australia to this day due to exploitative and offensive depictions of sexual violence, extreme violence and depictions of behavior and fetishes that are considered offensive or abhorrent.<ref>[http://www.oflc.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=baise-moi&sMature=1&sMediaFilm=1&sMediaPublications=1&sMediaGames=1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=1970&sDateToM=1&sDateToY=2007&record=176380 OFLC Classifies Baise-Moi R18+.]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> * ''[[Ken Park]]'', an American film about teenagers that features a scene of [[autoerotic asphyxiation]], among other sexually explicit scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oflc.gov.au/resource.html?resource=219&filename=219.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-02-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061008233651/http://www.oflc.gov.au/resource.html?resource=219&filename=219.pdf |archive-date=8 October 2006 }}</ref> The ban, however, is actually due to exploitative sexual depiction of minors, which is a criminal offence in Australia. In response to the ban, a protest screening was held which was shut down by the police.<ref>{{Cite news | page = 5 | last = Needham | first = Kirsty | title = Police quiz critic after raid | work = The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date = 2007-05-30 | date = 7 April 2003 | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/03/1057179099732.html | archive-date = 3 July 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160703145314/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/03/1057179099732.html | url-status = live }}</ref> ** Prominent movie reviewer [[Margaret Pomeranz]], then host of ''[[The Movie Show]]'' on the SBS, was arrested (and later cautioned and released) along with several others after attempting to screen at a hall what she described as "a wonderful film".<ref>[http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/jul2003/balm-j10.shtml World Socialist Web Site report into the screening of Ken Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028040437/http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/jul2003/balm-j10.shtml |date=28 October 2012 }}. Wsws.org (10 July 2003)</ref> [[Tom Gleisner]], host of ''[[The Panel (Australian TV series)|The Panel]]'' (a prime-time comedy show), openly stated on the show that he had downloaded and watched the film. ** Former [[New South Wales]] Premier [[Bob Carr]] stated that he thought the banning of ''Ken Park'' and other films was inappropriate, and that his attorney-general, [[Bob Debus]], would discuss changing the laws with other state attorneys-general at an upcoming meeting.<ref>{{Cite news | issn = 0312-6315 | page = 9 | last = Maddox | first = Garry | title = Debus wants festival film rethink | work = The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date = 2012-08-05 | date = 18 June 2003 | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/17/1055828326284.html | archive-date = 11 September 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160911135549/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/17/1055828326284.html | url-status = live }}</ref> * In October 2017 the classification board was described as homophobic by Luke Buckmaster on flicks.com.au for classifying the film ''[[Tom of Finland (film)|Tom of Finland]]'' as ''R 18+'' for high impact sexualised imagery and nudity. The board disputed the allegation, stating that it had classified the film in accordance with its published guidelines and that the distributor had sought ''R 18+'' conditions for its screenings at the 2017 Scandinavian Film Festival. Buckmaster also compared what he perceived to be the board's heavy-handed approach unfavorably to [[Netflix]], which he argued was permitted to regulate its own content. The board disagreed with this comparison, noting that it was piloting a scheme to streamline the classification of Netflix content in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Media release—Classification of the film Tom of Finland and allegations that the Classification Board is "homophobic" |date=19 October 2017 |publisher=Australian Classification Board |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/media-releases/classification-film-tom-finland-and-allegations-classification-board-homophobic |access-date=8 June 2020 |archive-date=8 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608144724/https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/media-releases/classification-film-tom-finland-and-allegations-classification-board-homophobic |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Video games === {{See also|List of banned video games in Australia}} Video gaming censorship in Australia is considered to be one of the strictest in the Western world.<ref>{{cite book |last=Abjorensen, Docherty |first=Norman, James C. |date=5 December 2014 |title=Historical Dictionary of Australia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FTa7BQAAQBAJ&dq=australia+censorship+video+games+strictest+western+world&pg=PA93 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=93 |isbn=9781442245020}}</ref> Such controversial and noteworthy cases include:

* ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' was withdrawn from sale for allowing players to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes; the game was later reinstated when this action was removed. Specifically, the player could solicit intercourse from a prostitute, and then kill her. The ability to solicit sex from prostitutes in the game was the action that was removed, but in-game characters and pedestrians could still violently murder them. ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]'' was also pre-censored for the same reasons. Though, in 2010 ''Vice City'' was classified uncut again receiving an ''MA 15+'' and an uncensored version of ''GTA 3'' was given an ''R 18+'' in 2019.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200324062233/https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/grand-theft-auto-iii-3 Grand Theft Auto III]. classification.gov.au</ref> * ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' was withdrawn from sale in July 2005 following the revelation that an interactive sex minigame was included in the content files on the game's disc; one could not ordinarily access this, but a third party modification, known as the [[Hot Coffee (minigame)|Hot Coffee mod]], allowed the player to access the minigame and the inclusion of the scenes on the game disc took the game outside the ''MA 15+'' category. The ''MA 15+'' rating was re-instated after a modified version was released worldwide by [[Rockstar Games]], removing the content files for the sex scenes. * ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' was also pre-censored prior to classification and release in the Australian region. In the American release, sexual encounters with prostitutes occur inside the player's vehicle and the player has the ability to rotate the camera for a clearer view of what transpires. In the censored Australian version, the camera is fixed behind the vehicle, which rocks from side to side with accompanying audio effects. It is impossible for the player to view the inside of the car.<ref>[http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869828p1.html IGN: Aussie GTA IV Censorship Update] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005033/http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869828p1.html |date=13 July 2011 }}. Au.xbox360.ign.com.</ref> Rockstar later submitted the uncut version of the game, which went on to receive the same ''MA 15+'' rating as its censored counterpart, and a patch was released for the PS3, PC and Xbox 360 to uncensor the game. * ''[[50 Cent: Bulletproof]]'' was banned for encouraging gang violence. A version removing the game's arcade mode, cutting down on gore, and with an automatic game over for killing innocents was given an ''MA 15+'' rating. * ''[[Fallout 3]]'' was refused classification by the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]<ref name="No AUS Release">[http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=fallout+3&sMature=1&sMediaGames=1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=2008&sDateToM=12&sDateToY=2008&record=228415 OFLC listing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302235433/http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=fallout+3&sMature=1&sMediaGames=1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=2008&sDateToM=12&sDateToY=2008&record=228415 |date=2 March 2009 }} for ''Fallout 3''. Retrieved 12 July 2008.</ref><ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/887/887547p1.html ''Fallout 3'' Officially Refused Classification in Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126043439/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/887/887547p1.html |date=26 January 2012 }}. Xbox360.ign.com.</ref> due to the "realistic visual representations of drugs and their delivery method (bringing) the 'science-fiction' drugs in line with 'real-world' drugs." A revised version of the game was resubmitted to the OFLC and reclassified as ''MA 15+'' on 7 August 2008 after drug names were changed.<ref name="AUS Revised">{{cite web|title=Fallout 3 Censorship Report|date=13 August 2008|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2008/08/13/fallout-3-censorship-report|publisher=IGN|access-date=6 May 2015}}</ref> It was later clarified that the only change done to the final version of the game was the name "morphine" changed to "Med-x". This change was done to all versions worldwide; thus, Australia got the same version of the game as other countries uncut with an ''MA 15+''. * ''[[Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland|Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland]]'' was given an R 18+ rating on [[PlayStation Vita]], a huge jump from the [[PS3]] version's PG rating, with the reason being "references to sexual violence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classification.gov.au/Pages/View.aspx?ncdctx=mh8vbgD796YJ2RWSuMNIdIWf%2BEyuTEuEKG86SY3V6yl8TbcNz7LR0XlHJPUi2PQF|title=Australian Classification – Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland|publisher=Australian Classification Board|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410025520/http://www.classification.gov.au/Pages/View.aspx?ncdctx=mh8vbgD796YJ2RWSuMNIdIWf%2BEyuTEuEKG86SY3V6yl8TbcNz7LR0XlHJPUi2PQF|archive-date=10 April 2013|access-date=20 March 2013}}</ref> Comparatively, in North America, the game received a T for Teen (ages 13+) rating, a 12+ rating in Japan (CERO B), and a PEGI 12 rating. Its strict rating resulted in the creation of an [[internet meme]] captioned "High Impact Violence" that satirizes the Classification Board for labeling mildly sensual animation as having "high impact".<ref>[https://moegamer.net/2020/09/25/atelier-totori-the-adventurer-of-arland-high-impact-sexual-violence/ ATELIER TOTORI: THE ADVENTURER OF ARLAND – HIGH IMPACT SEXUAL VIOLENCE?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023080524/https://moegamer.net/2020/09/25/atelier-totori-the-adventurer-of-arland-high-impact-sexual-violence/ |date=23 October 2021 }} Pete Davison from Moegamer.net, 25 September 2020</ref>

====Adult (18+) ratings for video games==== Many games were banned before 2011 on the basis that the ''R 18+'' rating did not apply to video games at the time. This was the subject of complaint in the gaming community, who argued that there is no reason why adults should be prevented from seeing content in games that they could see in a film. One of the main opponents to the introduction of an ''R 18+'' rating for video games was the former South Australian Attorney-General, [[Michael Atkinson (politician)|Michael Atkinson]], who vetoed every attempt to include one.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chloe |last=Lake |title=Attorney-general opposes R rating for games |url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23282288-5014239,00.html |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Limited |date=27 February 2008 |access-date=27 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302035849/http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23282288-5014239,00.html |archive-date=2 March 2008}}</ref>

On 11 August 2010, at a public forum, opposition leader [[Tony Abbott]] was asked a question about his views on the absence of an ''R 18+'' rating for video games and whether he had any policies relating to the subject, saying, "if what happens with video games is not roughly analogous to what happens in other areas, that seems silly ... Instinctively I'm with you, and it's something I'd be happy to look at, if we are in Government."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/tony-abbott-qa-from-rooty-hill/story-fn5z3z83-1225904099798 |title=Tony Abbott Q&A from Rooty Hill |newspaper=The Courier Mail |publisher=News Limited |date=11 August 2010 |first1=Michael |last1=Madigan |first2=Ben |last2=Packham |archive-date=3 June 2012 |access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603125701/http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/tony-abbott-qa-from-rooty-hill/story-fn5z3z83-1225904099798 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/08/tony-abbott-happy-to-look-at-r18-rating/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815084805/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/08/tony-abbott-happy-to-look-at-r18-rating/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 August 2010 |title=Tony Abbott: 'Happy To Look At' R18+ Rating |work=Kotaku |first=David |last=Wildgoose |date=12 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/41091-abbott-pledges-r18-gaming-review |title=Abbott pledges R18+ gaming review |first=Renai |last=LeMay |date=11 August 2010 |work=iTWire |access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195526/http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/41091-abbott-pledges-r18-gaming-review |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://delimiter.com.au/2010/08/11/abbott-pledges-r18-gaming-review/ |title=Abbott pledges R18+ gaming review |first=Renai |last=LeMay |date=11 August 2010 |work=Delimiter |publisher= LeMay & Galt Media}}</ref> In December 2010, Attorney General [[Robert McClelland (Australian politician)|Robert McClelland]] appeared to be moving on this issue following the release of telephone poll results conducted by the Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor, showing roughly 80% in support of an ''R 18+'' classification.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Consultationsreformsandreviews_AnR18+ClassificationforComputerGames-PublicConsultation?open&query=game |title=An R 18+ Classification for Computer Games |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |work=Attorney-General's Department |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403033305/http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Consultationsreformsandreviews_AnR18+ClassificationforComputerGames-PublicConsultation?open&query=game |archive-date=3 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 22 July 2011, at a meeting of state and territories' attorneys general, an agreement was reached for the introduction of an ''R 18+'' classification. It was planned to introduce the rating towards the end of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/historic-agreement-on-r18-video-games-20110722-1hs78.html|title='Historic agreement' on R18+ video games|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=22 July 2011|access-date=24 February 2012|archive-date=22 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922080832/http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/historic-agreement-on-r18-video-games-20110722-1hs78.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 July 2011, a meeting of attorneys-general produced an in-principle agreement to introduce the ''R 18+'' classification for video games; however, NSW Attorney-General [[Greg Smith (New South Wales politician)|Greg Smith]] abstained from the vote. The Home Affairs Minister, [[Brendan O'Connor (politician)|Brendan O'Connor]], said the federal government would over-ride NSW and implement the ''R 18+'' rating regardless of its decision and would be officially available before the end of 2011.<ref name="R18">{{cite news |author=Asher Moses, Ben Grubb |title='Historic agreement' on R18+ video games |url=http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/historic-agreement-on-r18-video-games-20110722-1hs78.html#ixzz1C7Pkl0Tl |date=22 July 2011 |access-date=22 July 2011 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-date=22 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922080832/http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/historic-agreement-on-r18-video-games-20110722-1hs78.html#ixzz1C7Pkl0Tl |url-status=live }}</ref> On 10 August the NSW Attorney General agreed on the ''R 18+''; thus, the rating would be accepted and available to all states before the end of 2011.<ref>Laura Parker (9 August 2011), [http://au.gamespot.com/news/6328240/nsw-backs-r18-for-games "NSW backs R18+ for games"], ''GameSpot''</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-22/games-rating-agreement/2806200|title=Governments agree on R18+ games rating|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Company|access-date=3 November 2011|date=22 July 2011|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415182027/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-22/games-rating-agreement/2806200|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 1 January 2013, the ''R 18+'' rating has been officially implemented for video games although it is apparently not being used to full effect as many games are still being [[List of banned video games in Australia|refused classification]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/gamers-get-adults-only-r18-classification/story-e6frfku0-1226399228661 | agency=Australian Associated Press | title=Gamers get adults-only R18+ classification | date=18 June 2012 | access-date=18 June 2012 | archive-date=10 September 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910083440/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/gamers-get-adults-only-r18-classification/story-e6frfku0-1226399228661 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The first game to be released with an ''R 18+'' rating was ''[[Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus]]''. The game ''[[Saints Row IV]]'' became the first game to be refused classification under the new standard on 25 June 2013.<ref name="IGN: banned">{{cite news|last=Reilly|first=Luke|date=25 June 2013|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/25/saints-row-iv-banned-in-australia|title=Saints Row IV banned in Australia|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403134526/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/25/saints-row-iv-banned-in-australia|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref><ref>[https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/news 25 June 2013: '''Saints Row IV''' first computer game Refused Classification] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241025231950/https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/news |date=25 October 2024 }} . Australian Classification Board, 25 June 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.</ref> ''[[State of Decay (video game)|State of Decay]]'' became the second game to be refused classification less than 24 hours after the first (''Saints Row IV'') was banned. Both were refused classification on the grounds of "illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives and rewards".<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/technology/gaming/second-video-game-state-of-decay-banned-in-australia/story-e6frfrt9-1226670282295 26 June 2013: "Second video game – State of Decay – banned in Australia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208192456/http://www.news.com.au/technology/gaming/second-video-game-state-of-decay-banned-in-australia/story-e6frfrt9-1226670282295 |date=8 February 2014 }}. News.com.au, 26 June 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.</ref>

Video games classified from 22 September 2024 containing "simulated gambling" will now be classified, at minimum, as R 18+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-18 |title=New classifications for gambling-like content in video games |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/news/new-classifications-for-gambling-content-video-games |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Australian Classification |archive-date=22 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922111506/https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/news/new-classifications-for-gambling-content-video-games |url-status=live }}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal|Australia}} * [[Censorship in Australia]] * [[Internet censorship in Australia]] * [[Pornography by region|List of pornography laws by region]] – Australian hardcore pornography laws * [[Australian Commercial Television Code of Practice]] – includes the rating system of Australian TV * [[Video game controversy]] – includes the history of games censorship in Australia * [[List of banned video games in Australia]]

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links== * [https://www.classification.gov.au/ The Australian Government Classification Website] Includes info about classification system, board member profiles and a public searchable database of classification decisions * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120125050930/http://www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification The R 18+ Discussion Paper] Submissions due 28 February 2010. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20091012083157/http://cenere.com.au/files/articles/pdf/Exratings.pdf Inside Film Magazine's Phillip Cenere reports on the ACB International Ratings Conference] * [http://www.refused-classification.com Refused-Classification.com] Database of films, games, and books that have had problems with the ACB. * [http://libertu.net/censor/ Libertus Australia]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Website maintained by Irene Graham, the executive director of EFA. * [http://www.facebook.com/MediaCensorshipInAustralia Media Censorship in Australia] A Facebook censorship news page started in 2013 with several updates a week.

{{Cinema of Australia}} {{Motion picture content rating systems}} {{Video game content rating systems}} {{Pornography legality|state=collapsed}} {{Authority control}}

[[Category:1910 establishments in Australia]] [[Category:Australian classification system]] [[Category:Censorship in Australia]] [[Category:Film organisations in Australia]] [[Category:Commonwealth Government agencies of Australia]] [[Category:Video game content ratings systems]] [[Category:Video game organizations]] [[Category:Motion picture rating systems]] [[Category:Television organisations in Australia]] [[Category:Entertainment rating organizations]]