Review of Australian classification regulation

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

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.

The Issue

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 (380 KB) Download DOC (198 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.

Outcome

On 29 March 2023, the Government released the 2020 Review of Australian Classification Regulation undertaken by Mr Neville Stevens AO (the Stevens Review) and announced its intention to reform the National Classification Scheme. There will not be a formal government response to the Stevens Review. Its recommendations will inform the direction of future classification reforms. Thank you to all who contributed to this work.