- For the rating system template, see {{ACB}}.
- For the revised OFLC rating system template, see {{OFLC}}.
- For the original OFLC rating system template, see {{OFLC old}}.
- For the New Zealand version of the OFLC, see Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand).
The Australian Classification Board is a statutory censorship and classification body formed by the Australian Government which classifies films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia since its establishment in 1970. The Australian Classification Board was originally incorporated in the Office of Film and Literature Classification which was dissolved in 2006. The Attorney-General's Department now provides administrative support to the Board. Decisions made by the Board may be reviewed by the Australian Classification Review Board.
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.
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. | |
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. | |
PG (Parental Guidance) – These films and computer games contain material that may confuse or upset young children. This was formally G8+.
The content is mild in impact. | |
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. | |
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. | |
R18+ (Restricted) – People under 18 cannot see these films or buy or rent them.
The content is high in impact. | |
Note: Video games which exceed the impact of what the R18+ rating allows are refused classification (RC). Games refused classification can be censored and resubmitted by their developers to gain an R18+ rating. | |
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 Australian Capital Territory 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:
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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