Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)
| Office of Film and Literature Classification | |
|---|---|
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1994 |
| Dissolved | 2006 |
| Superseding agency | Attorney-General's Department Australian Classification Board Australian Classification Review Board |
| Jurisdiction | Commonwealth of Australia |
| Minister responsible | Robert McClelland, Attorney-General |
| Parent agency | Attorney-General's Department |
| Child agencies | Classification Board Classification Review Board |
| Website | |
| http://www.classification.gov.au | |
The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a defunct statutory censorship and classification body overseen by the Australian Government which included: the Classification Board which classified films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia; the Classification Review Board which reviewed previously classified films, computer games and publications on appeal; and administrative staff who provided day to day support for the two Boards under the control of the Director of the Classification Board.
In February 2006 Attorney-General Philip Ruddock announced that the policy and administrative functions of the OFLC would become part of the Attorney-General’s Department, and, while the Classification Board and Classification Review Board would continue to make classification decisions, they would be serviced from the Attorney-General’s Department.
Contents |
Film and video game classifications
After the OFLC was disolved and the classification board was now owned by the attorney-generals departement, they kept the same rating system which were:
Recommendations
The below are advisory only, no restrictions on access.
E (Exempt from Classification) - Only very specific types of material (including educational material and straight records of artistic performances) can be exempted from classification, and the material cannot contain anything that might lead to an M rating or higher.
G (General Exhibition) — These films and computer games are for general viewing. However, G does not necessarily designate a children’s film or game as many of these productions contain content that would be of no interest to children.
The content is very mild in impact.
PG (Parental guidance recommended) — These films and computer games contain material that may confuse or upset younger viewers.
The content is mild in impact.
M (Recommended for mature audiences) — These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective, but is still not enough to be deemed too strong for younger viewers.
The content is moderate in impact.
Restricted
By contrast, the classifications below are legally restricted—i.e., it is illegal to sell or exhibit materials so classified to a person younger than the respective age limit.[1] Note that the R18+ and the X18+ does not apply to videogames.
MA15+ (Mature Accompanied) - The content is considered unsuitable for exhibition by persons under the age of 15. Persons under 15 may only legally purchase or exhibit MA15+ rated content under the supervision of an adult guardian. This is a legally restricted category.
The content is strong in impact.
R18+ (Restricted) - People under 18 may not buy, rent or exhibit these films.
The content is high in impact.
X18+ (Restricted) - People under 18 may not buy, rent or exhibit these films.
Rating applies to graphic real/simulated sexual content. Only legal in Northern Territory or ACT unless imported.
- RC (Refused Classification)
Films which are very high in impact and/or contain any type of violence in conjunction with real sexual intercourse are rated Refused Classification by the OFLC.
Classification of video games
Despite a line in the National Classification Code stating that "adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want", the adult R18+ classification does not currently exist for video games. [2] This continues on with the Attorney Generals owned Australian Classification Board.
Previous video game ratings
These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia:
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G – General : The G classification is for a general audience. |
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G8+ – General for children over 8 years of age: Material classified G8+ may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians. It is not recommended for viewing by people under 8 without guidance from parents or guardians. This rating has since been changed to PG. |
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M – Mature: Despite the title, material classified M15+ is not recommended for people under 15 years of age. Nonetheless, there are still no legal restrictions on access. This rating has since been changed to M to prevent confusion with the stronger MA15+ classification. |
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MA15+ – Mature Audiences (Restricted): Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for people under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. People under the age of 15 are not allowed to purchase or hire unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. |
Any video game that did NOT fall into one of these categories were rated Refused Classification (Banned).
See also
- Censorship in Australia
- Australian Classification Board
Footnotes
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