Review Board
Classification Review Board
Current Review Board members
Classification Review Board responsibilities
The Classification Review Board is an independent statutory body responsible for reviewing certain decisions of the Classification Board.
The Classification Review Board is a different Board to the Classification Board. The Classification Review Board is a part-time Board who only meet to review decisions of the Classification as needed. The members of the Classification Review Board live in different parts of Australia and travel to Sydney to make review decisions.
What is a review decision?
A decision made by the Classification Review Board is a fresh classification decision. It replaces the original classification decision made by the Classification Board. Review Board decisions from 2000 onwards are available to view online.
The role of a Classification Review Board member
Classification Review Board members are chosen from a range of backgrounds to broadly represent the Australian community. They view the material and make a fresh classification decision.
The Classification Review Board operates on a majority based decision-making process. Because of this, it is essential that members clearly articulate their views orally and in writing, to appreciate and contemplate the views of others and make decisions that are good in law.
The Convenor of the Classification Review Board is responsible for management and oversight of the Classification Review Board and its decision-making processes.
Classification Review Board member appointments
Board members are appointed by the Governor-General for three years in the first instance. Members may be eligible for re‑appointment. The maximum statutory term for a Classification Review Board member is seven years.
Board appointments are advertised nationally. No formal qualifications are specified, but applicants are required to meet specified selection criteria reflecting the qualities required to effectively carry out the work of the Classification Review Board. The selection process includes an interview for short-listed applicants and an experiential day where applicants undertake classification exercises.
The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs consults on appointments with State and Territory Censorship Ministers before making a recommendation to the Governor‑General.