We are reviewing and updating the classification scheme for today’s digital environment.

How it works

Why we want your input
Australians and their families rely on classification ratings to inform their entertainment choices. We are seeking your views to help us create a system that meets the needs of industry while providing appropriate information and protections for consumers.
How you can voice your opinion
You can have your say by reading the consultation paper and the classification guidelines and code, and providing a submission.
What will be the outcome of this consultation?
Your submissions will inform recommendations to the Government on a new classification regulation framework for today’s digital content environment.

Consultation Information

Consultation tabs

The Issue
Consultation Period:  January 08, 2020 09:00 AEDT to February 19, 2020 17:00 AEDT

The National Classification Scheme was enacted in 1995 in the age of dial-up internet. Since then, the internet and streaming services have changed the way we access and consume content.

The current system was not designed to manage changing technologies or the large volumes of content now available via streaming services, online game storefronts and other content platforms.

On 16 December 2019, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts released terms of reference for a review of Australia's classification regulation.

This review seeks to develop a classification framework that meets community needs and reflects today's digital environment.

Key issues to be considered include:

  • How best to harmonise the regulatory framework for classification across broadcast content, online content and physical product such as DVDs and boxed games.
  • Whether the criteria for classifying films and computer games are still appropriate and useful and continue to reflect community standards and concerns.
  • The type of content that should be required to be classified.
  • Who should be responsible for classifying content and what level of government oversight is appropriate.

Supporting information

Relevant Documentation

Review of Australian classification regulation—discussion paper

Published 8th Jan 2020

Download PDF (379.69 KB) Download DOC (195.52 KB)
This discussion paper outlines the current classification framework and seeks comments to inform a new classification framework fit for the modern content market. It includes questions about the National Classification Code, the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games.

Participate

Started January 08, 2020 09:00 AEDT
Ends February 19, 2020 17:00 AEDT
Days Remaining 21 of 42
Open

Formal Submission

We invite you to to tell us your views on this topic.

Please include:

  • contact name
  • organisation name, if applicable
  • contact details, including telephone number, postal and email addresses
  • confirmation whether or not your submission can be made public—published—or kept confidential.

All submissions to be made public need to meet the Digital Service Standard for accessibility. Any submission that does not meet this standard may be modified before being made public.

If your submission is to be made public, please ensure you do not include any personal information that you don't want to be published.

Please click on the 'Have your say now' button below to upload your submission.

Alternatively please email your completed template submission to consultation [at] classification.gov.au or send it to:

Classification Branch
Department of Communications and the Arts
Locked Bag 3, HAYMARKET NSW 1240