Appendix F: Implementation activity 2013–14

The following provides an overview of activity in relation to the implementation of ALRC reports during 2013–14.

Classification—Content Regulation and Convergent Media (ALRC Report 118, 2012)

On 19 March 2014, the Minister for Justice, the Hon Michael Keenan MP announced ‘first tranche’ reforms to the National Classification Scheme with the introduction into Parliament of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Classification Tools and Other Measures) Bill 2014.

In line with ALRC recommendations, the Bill would amend the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth) to:

• broaden the scope of existing exempt film categories and streamline exemption arrangements for festivals and cultural institutions (see Rec 6–3);
• enable certain content to be classified using classification tools (such as online questionnaires that deliver automated decisions) (see Rec 7–8);
• create an explicit requirement in the Act to display classification markings on all classified content (see Rec 8–1);
• expand the exceptions to the modifications rule so that films and computer games which are subject to certain types of modifications do not require classification again (see Rec 8–2); and
• enable the Attorney-General’s Department to notify law enforcement authorities of potential Refused Classification content without having the content classified first, to help expedite the removal of extremely offensive or illegal content from distribution (see Rec 12–3).
• On 27 March 2014, the Bill was referred to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, which was due to report by 19 June 2014.

For Your Information: Australian Privacy Law and Practice (ALRC Report 108, 2008)

The Privacy Amendment (Privacy Alerts) Bill 2014 would implement ALRC recommendations concerning data breach notification. The Bill would amend the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) to establish a framework for the mandatory notification by regulated entities of serious data breaches to the Australian Information Commissioner and to affected individuals.