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EspañolOFFICE OF FILM AND LITERATURE CLASSIFICATION (AUSTRALIA)
(Redirected from Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification)
The 'Office of Film and Literature Classification' is a statutory censorship and classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Board which classified films, video games and publications in Australia, and the Classification Review Board which reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid application has been made.
The Classification Board and the Classification Review Board are established by the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth). This Act also contains the National Classification Code.
Though the Office of Film and Literature Classification has taken 'censorship' out of its title it is able to censor media by refusing classification and making the media illegal for hire, exhibition and importation to Australia. This has attracted particular controversy in the case of computer and video games as no R18+ rating exists for them. Games that have been refused classification include Postal and (although GTA: San Andreas was re-released and received an MA15+ rating).
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 by a secretariat from the Attorney-General’s Department.
Donald McDonald has been named as the new director but yet to be appointed by the Attorney-General’s Department. Critics are concerned the appointment facilitates the Government's ability to control or restrict material, in particular that which incites or instructs terrorism.[1]
The current members of the Classification Board:
★ Olya Booyar (deputy director)
★ Wendy Banfield (senior classifier)
★ Marie-Louise Carroll (senior classifier)
★ Jeremy Fenton
★ Alexandra Greene
★ Robert Sanderson
★ Rodney Smith
★ Lynn Townsend
★ Marlon Valbuena
The current members of the Classification Review Board:
★ Maureen Shelley (convenor)
★ Trevor Griffin (deputy convenor)
★ Rob Shilkin
★ Kathryn Smith
★ Gillian Groom
★ Anthony Hetrih
As of May 24, 2005, the Movie Ratings system has been made colour-coded and the ratings system presentation was brought up to date, following changes in the code. However, the previous classification symbols can still be seen on DVD and video packaging released before the change.
Some films and games (e.g. educational content) may be exempt from classification.
'E (Exempt from Classification)' - These films are granted permission to be sold without a proper rating depending on the content of the film. This classification is usually granted to (and not limited to) documentaries, educational content, exercise videos and non-violent sporting events. Currently there is no predetermined marking for exempt films and computer games [1], although it is advised that films and computer games that are exempt display “This film/computer game is exempt from classification”.
The content varies depending on the show / film. Any film or computer game which is to be rated E must not exceed the PG rating.
'G (General)' - 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)' - These films and computer games contain material that may confuse or upset younger viewers.
The content is mild in impact.
'M (Mature)' - These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective. This classification was formerly known as M15+. There is no restriction on access.
The content is moderate in impact.
''Note that the classifications above this point are advisory in nature only--they are not legally binding. 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.''
'MA15+ (Mature Accompanied)' – People under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film - parental permission to see an MA15+ film is not sufficient.
People under 15 are not permitted to buy or rent films or computer games classified MA15+ unless they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
The content is strong in impact.
Note: Video games which exceed the impact of what the MA15+ rating allows are refused classification (RC). Games refused classification may be edited and resubmitted by their developers to garner an MA15+ classification.
'R18+ (Restricted)' - People under 18 cannot buy, rent or exhibit these films.
The content is high in impact.
'X18+ (Pornographic)' - People under 18 cannot exhibit, buy or rent films that have been issued this classification.
This rating applies to pornographic content.
Films rated X18+ are currently legally available for purchase in only the ACT and the Northern Territory. However these films maybe legally purchased from interstate via mail-order. Enforcement is relaxed & most adult shops carry extensive stock of X18+ material.
'Refused Classification' (RC)
Films which are very high in impact and/or contain any type of violence in conjunction with real sexual intercourse are Refused Classification by the OFLC. The reasons why a film may be refused classification that:
★ Depict, express or otherwise deals with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified.
★ Depict in a way that is likely to cause offense to a reasonable adult a minor who is, or who appears to be, under 16 (whether or not engaged in sexual activity).
★ Promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence.
Classification is mandatory, and movies that are refused classification by the OFLC are banned for sale, hire, public exhibition or importation into Australia. It is illegal to possess content that has been Refused Classification.
''These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia''
– 'Unrestricted'
– 'Unrestricted – Mature'- Not recommended for readers under 15.
– 'Restricted Category 1' – Not available to persons under 18 years.
– 'Restricted Category 2' – Pornographic in nature; restricted as above.
Any literature that does not fall into any of the above catergories is ''Refused Classification''.
★ Censorship in Australia
★ Banned films, which includes an extensive list of films banned in Australia.
★ Video game controversy Looks at the history of games censorship in Australia
★ Internet censorship in Australia
★ List of pornography laws by region Australian hardcore pornography laws.
★ CERO, the Japanese computer and video game rating system
★ ESRB, the United States and Canadian computer and video game rating system
★ ELSPA, the former British computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
★ MPAA film rating system, the United States film rating system
★ PEGI, the European computer and video game rating system
★ USK, the German computer and video game rating system
★ OFLC, the New Zealand media rating system
★ IFCO, the Irish censorship rating system.
1. Censure as PM's pal turns censor
★ The Office of Film & Literature Classification Website
★ Inside Film Magazine's Phillip Cenere reports on the OFLC International Ratings Conference
★ Refused-Classification.com Database of films, games, and books that have had problems with the OFLC
★ Libertus Australia a website maintained by Irene Graham, the executive director of EFA.
★ The Chopping List Database of films that have had censorship problems in Australia
★ The Games Censorship Collection Games Censorship by the OFLC
The 'Office of Film and Literature Classification' is a statutory censorship and classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Board which classified films, video games and publications in Australia, and the Classification Review Board which reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid application has been made.
The Classification Board and the Classification Review Board are established by the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth). This Act also contains the National Classification Code.
Though the Office of Film and Literature Classification has taken 'censorship' out of its title it is able to censor media by refusing classification and making the media illegal for hire, exhibition and importation to Australia. This has attracted particular controversy in the case of computer and video games as no R18+ rating exists for them. Games that have been refused classification include Postal and (although GTA: San Andreas was re-released and received an MA15+ rating).
| Contents |
| Organization |
| Members |
| Film and Video Game Ratings |
| Previous Video Game Ratings |
| Literature Ratings |
| See also |
| Footnotes |
| External links |
Organization
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 by a secretariat from the Attorney-General’s Department.
Members
Donald McDonald has been named as the new director but yet to be appointed by the Attorney-General’s Department. Critics are concerned the appointment facilitates the Government's ability to control or restrict material, in particular that which incites or instructs terrorism.[1]
The current members of the Classification Board:
★ Olya Booyar (deputy director)
★ Wendy Banfield (senior classifier)
★ Marie-Louise Carroll (senior classifier)
★ Jeremy Fenton
★ Alexandra Greene
★ Robert Sanderson
★ Rodney Smith
★ Lynn Townsend
★ Marlon Valbuena
The current members of the Classification Review Board:
★ Maureen Shelley (convenor)
★ Trevor Griffin (deputy convenor)
★ Rob Shilkin
★ Kathryn Smith
★ Gillian Groom
★ Anthony Hetrih
Film and Video Game Ratings
As of May 24, 2005, the Movie Ratings system has been made colour-coded and the ratings system presentation was brought up to date, following changes in the code. However, the previous classification symbols can still be seen on DVD and video packaging released before the change.
Some films and games (e.g. educational content) may be exempt from classification.
'E (Exempt from Classification)' - These films are granted permission to be sold without a proper rating depending on the content of the film. This classification is usually granted to (and not limited to) documentaries, educational content, exercise videos and non-violent sporting events. Currently there is no predetermined marking for exempt films and computer games [1], although it is advised that films and computer games that are exempt display “This film/computer game is exempt from classification”.
The content varies depending on the show / film. Any film or computer game which is to be rated E must not exceed the PG rating.
'G (General)' - 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)' - These films and computer games contain material that may confuse or upset younger viewers.
The content is mild in impact.
'M (Mature)' - These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective. This classification was formerly known as M15+. There is no restriction on access.
The content is moderate in impact.
''Note that the classifications above this point are advisory in nature only--they are not legally binding. 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.''
'MA15+ (Mature Accompanied)' – People under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film - parental permission to see an MA15+ film is not sufficient.
People under 15 are not permitted to buy or rent films or computer games classified MA15+ unless they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
The content is strong in impact.
Note: Video games which exceed the impact of what the MA15+ rating allows are refused classification (RC). Games refused classification may be edited and resubmitted by their developers to garner an MA15+ classification.
'R18+ (Restricted)' - People under 18 cannot buy, rent or exhibit these films.
The content is high in impact.
'X18+ (Pornographic)' - People under 18 cannot exhibit, buy or rent films that have been issued this classification.
This rating applies to pornographic content.
Films rated X18+ are currently legally available for purchase in only the ACT and the Northern Territory. However these films maybe legally purchased from interstate via mail-order. Enforcement is relaxed & most adult shops carry extensive stock of X18+ material.
'Refused Classification' (RC)
Films which are very high in impact and/or contain any type of violence in conjunction with real sexual intercourse are Refused Classification by the OFLC. The reasons why a film may be refused classification that:
★ Depict, express or otherwise deals with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified.
★ Depict in a way that is likely to cause offense to a reasonable adult a minor who is, or who appears to be, under 16 (whether or not engaged in sexual activity).
★ Promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence.
Classification is mandatory, and movies that are refused classification by the OFLC are banned for sale, hire, public exhibition or importation into Australia. It is illegal to possess content that has been Refused Classification.
Previous Video Game Ratings
''These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia''
 OFLC Rating: G | 'G' — 'General ': The G classification is for a general audience. |
 OFLC Rating: G8+ | '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.'' |
 OFLC Rating: M15+ | 'M15+' — 'Mature': Material classified M15+ is not recommended for people under 15 years of age. However, there are no legal restrictions on access. ''This rating has since been changed to M to prevent confusion with the stronger MA15+ classification.'' |
 OFLC Rating: MA15+ (Mature Restricted) | 'MA15+' — 'Mature 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. |
Literature Ratings
Unrestricted
Unrestricted Mature
Restricted Category 1
Restricted Category 2
Any literature that does not fall into any of the above catergories is ''Refused Classification''.
See also
★ Censorship in Australia
★ Banned films, which includes an extensive list of films banned in Australia.
★ Video game controversy Looks at the history of games censorship in Australia
★ Internet censorship in Australia
★ List of pornography laws by region Australian hardcore pornography laws.
★ CERO, the Japanese computer and video game rating system
★ ESRB, the United States and Canadian computer and video game rating system
★ ELSPA, the former British computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
★ MPAA film rating system, the United States film rating system
★ PEGI, the European computer and video game rating system
★ USK, the German computer and video game rating system
★ OFLC, the New Zealand media rating system
★ IFCO, the Irish censorship rating system.
Footnotes
1. Censure as PM's pal turns censor
External links
★ The Office of Film & Literature Classification Website
★ Inside Film Magazine's Phillip Cenere reports on the OFLC International Ratings Conference
★ Refused-Classification.com Database of films, games, and books that have had problems with the OFLC
★ Libertus Australia a website maintained by Irene Graham, the executive director of EFA.
★ The Chopping List Database of films that have had censorship problems in Australia
★ The Games Censorship Collection Games Censorship by the OFLC
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