Legislation

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995

The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth) (the Act) legislates the classification of publications, films and computer games in Australia.

The Act covers:

• what material is to be classified
• the Classification Board and the Classification Review Board
• self-classification tools
• exemptions, modifications, and advertising
• markings for the display of classification information
• authorised assessor schemes
• accredited classifiers
• festivals and events
• deeming classifications

Instruments under the Act

Instruments support the Act. They cover fees, rules and procedures.

The instruments are:

• Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Regulations 2005
• Classification (Advertising of Unclassified Films and Computer Games) Determination 2009
• Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Markings and Consumer Advice) Determination 2014
• Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015
• Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015
• Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Conditional Cultural Exemption Rules) Instrument 2015
• Classification (Approved Classification Tools) (Application for Revocation of Classification) Determination 2015 
• Classification (Accredited Persons) (Application for Revocation of Classification) Determination 2024
• Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Consumer Advice Terms) Determination 2024

National Classification Scheme

The National Classification Scheme (the Scheme) is an agreement between the Australian, state and territory governments. The Intergovernmental Agreement on Censorship created the Scheme.

The Commonwealth Minister for Communications, and the state and territory Ministers responsible for classification oversee the Scheme.

The Scheme defines the roles of the Commonwealth, states and territories in deciding ratings and enforcement.

The Commonwealth, state, and territory Ministers responsible for classification agree to instruments that the Classification Board and Classification Review Board must apply when making decisions under the Scheme:

• National Classification Code
• publications guidelines
• films guidelines
• games guidelines.

Related legislation

States and territories

States and territories enforce the Scheme using their own laws. These laws cover the sale, exhibition and advertising of classifiable content.

You can learn more about these laws at the links below.

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia.

Broadcasting services

The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) regulates television and radio content in Australia.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for broadcasting services. This includes rules for what you see or hear on TV or radio.

Online safety

The Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) regulates online content in Australia.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner is responsible for online safety. This includes dealing with harm caused by online and image-based abuse, cyber-bullying and illegal and adult content.