- For the New Zealand version of the OFLC, refer to Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)
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.
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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. |
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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. |
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PG (Parental Guidance) – These films and computer games contain material that may confuse or upset young children.
The content is mild in impact. |
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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. | |
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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. | |
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R18+ (Restricted) – People under 18 cannot see these films or buy or rent them.
The content is high in impact. |
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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
| 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. |
