29.09.2011
Films, computer games and publications
9.3 There are currently seven classification categories for films and five for computer games:
- G (General);
- PG (Parental Guidance);
- M (Mature);
- MA 15+ (Mature Accompanied);
- R 18+ (Restricted); [2]
- X 18+ (Restricted);[3] and
- RC (Refused Classification).[4]
9.4 There are also four classification categories for publications:
- Unrestricted;
- Category 1 restricted;
- Category 2 restricted; and
- RC (Refused Classification).[5]
Television programs
9.5 The television codes of practice for commercial free-to-air television, subscription television, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) provide for the following classifications:
- P (Pre-school);
- C (Children);
- G (General);
- PG (Parental Guidance);
- M (Mature);
- MA 15+ (Mature Audience);
- MA 15+ (Not suitable for people under 15);[6]
- MAV 15+ (Not suitable for people under 15: Strong Violence);[7]
- AV (Adult Violence);[8] and
- R 18+ (Restricted).[9]
[2] The R 18+ classification currently applies to films only however in July 2011 Commonwealth, State and Territory Censorship Ministers agreed to introduce an R 18+ classification for computer games.
[3] The X 18+ classification currently applies to films only.
[4]Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth) s 7.
[5] Ibid s 7.
[6] SBS uses a different descriptor for the MA 15+ classification category.
[7] This classification category is unique to SBS.
[8] This classification category is unique to commercial broadcasters.
[9] R 18+ programs are only allowed to be screened on subscription television.