Classification Board
- What does the Classification Board do?
- What is the role of a Board Member?
- What is a 'classification decision'?
- Who are the Classification Board?
- How are Classification Review Board members appointed?
What does the Classification Board do?
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. There are limited exceptions to this rule.
The Classification Board also decides what consumer advice should be provided with each classification. Consumer advice is designed to let consumers know which classifiable elements ( for example violence, sex, coarse language, themes, drug use and/or nudity) have led to the classification decision. Consumer advice helps you make an informed choice about the material you, or those in your care, choose to read, view or play.
In addition to commercial material, the Classification Board also classifies material submitted from the police, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Board classifies internet sites referred by ACMA and video content developed by for distribution over mobile phone networks. The Board also provides classifications to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in relation to the importation of publications, videos and computer games.
The Board does not classify TV programs or films for broadcast on TV.
In 2007-2008 the Classification Board made decisions on:
- 322 publications
- 383 films for public exhibition
- 4,673 videos or DVDs for sale or hire
- 961 computer games
- 14 Australian Communications and Media Authority Internet referrals, and
- 96 enforcement referrals.
What is the role of a Board Member?
Board members are responsible for classification of films (including cinema, DVDs and other home entertainment formats), publications and computer games and carry out this role on a daily basis.
The Board, of necessity and in accordance with statutory requirements, operates on the basis of a majority-based decision-making procedure. Accordingly, it is essential that members have the ability to clearly articulate their views orally and in writing, to appreciate and contemplate the views of others and, in light of the statutory requirements for decision making, make decisions that are good in law.
Members of the Board are exposed to a wide range of material, including a large amount of sexually explicit material. Some of the material may be of a particularly confronting or offensive nature, for example, that is cited in the 'RC' (Refused Classification) categories of the National Classification Code. Board members must therefore possess maturity and balance, and the ability to apply reason, commonsense and sensitivity in the performance of their duties.
The Director of the Classification Board is responsible for management and oversight of the Board and its decision making processes. The Director reports to the Australian Minister for Home Affairs.
The Classification Act provides that membership of the Board should be broadly representative of the Australian community. Members of the Board are identified through a national recruitment process appointed by the Governor-General for a period of three years. Members may be eligible for reappointment, but may not hold office more than seven years.
What is a 'classification decision'?
The classification of a film, publication or computer game is about informing your choices. Before material is made available to the public, the Classification Board assesses the content to see where it fits within the classification categories – such as G, PG and so on.
The Classification Board also makes a decision on appropriate consumer advice that lets you know what to expect when you watch the film or video, open the magazine, or play the computer game. Consumer advice warns the audience about content that may scare, upset or have a strong impact. In providing consumer advice at lower classification levels (such as G and PG), the Classification Board focuses on providing information about content that may have an impact on children, especially very young children.
Who are the Classification Board?
Detailed information about each of the current serving Board members can be found on the Classification Board Members page.
How are Classification Board members appointed?
Members of the Classification Board are appointed by the Governor-General for a period of not longer than five years. Members may be eligible for re‑appointment. The maximum statutory term for a Board member is seven years. The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 provides that when appointing members due regard is to be given to the desirability of membership of the Board being broadly representative of the Australian community.
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 Board. The selection process includes an interview for short-listed applicants and an experiential day in which applicants undertake classification exercises.
The Minister is required to consult on appointments with State and Territory Censorship Ministers before making a recommendation. Recommendations on Board appointments are made by the Minister to the Governor‑General.