Australian Classification Board

The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a statutory 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.

Film and Video Game Ratings

In 2005, the Movie Ratings system was made colour-coded and the ratings system presentation was brought up to date, following changes in the code. However, the previous monochrome classification symbols can still be seen on DVD and video packaging released before the change.

File:OFLC small E.svg File:Resource0001.png	E (Exempt from Classification) - These films are granted permission to be sold without a proper rating depending on the content of the film. This rating is usually given to documentaries, news and current affairs and exercise shows. 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 may 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.
File:OFLC small G.svg File:OFLC large G.svg	G (General) – These films and computer games are for general viewing. However, G does not conclusively mean a children’s film or game because many of these productions contain content that would be of no interest to children. The content is very mild in impact.
File:OFLC small PG.svg File:OFLC large PG.svg	PG (Parental Guidance) – These films and computer games contain material that may confuse or upset young children. The content is mild in impact.
File:OFLC small M.svg File:OFLC large M.svg	M (Mature) – These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective. This was formally M15+. 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.
File:OFLC small MA15+.svg File:OFLC large MA15+.svg	MA15+ (Mature Accompanied & Restricted) – 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 hire or buy films or computer games classified MA15+. 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 can be censored and resubmitted by their developers to gain an MA15+ rating.
File:OFLC small R18+.svg File:OFLC large R18+.svg	R18+ (Restricted) – People under 18 cannot see these films or buy or rent them. The content is high in impact.
File:OFLC small X18+.svg File:OFLC large X18+.svg	X18+ (Pornographic) – People under 18 cannot see, buy or rent these videos and DVDs. The content is sexually explicit/pornographic in content. Films rated X18+ are currently only legally available for purchase in the ACT and the Northern Territory.
Refused Classification (RC)	Films which are more violent and/or sexually explicit than what the R18+ or X18+ ratings allow are Refused Classification by the OFLC. The reasons why a film may be refused classification include: Depict, express or otherwise deal 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 offence 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.

Film 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 legal to possess a copy for private exhibition, but if the film contains illegal content (eg. child pornography) then it is also illegal to possess

Previous Video Game Ratings

These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia

File:OFCL Australia Rating - G.png	G — General : The G classification is for a general audience.
File:OFCL Australia Rating - G8-.png	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 persons under 8 without guidance from parents or guardians. This rating has been retired.
File:OFCL Australia Rating - M15-.png	M15+ — Mature: Material classified M15+ is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. However, there are no legal restrictions on access. This rating has been retired.
File:OFCL Australia Rating - MA15-.png	MA15+ — Mature Restricted: Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. If your children are under 15 they cannot buy or hire an MA15+ computer game unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

External links

• The Office of Film & Literature Classification Website
• Inside Film Magazine's Phillip Cenere reports on the OFLC International Ratings Conference