Damon Mcknight
Australia has a comprehensive classification system for films, computer games, and publications, with various ratings that indicate the suitability of the content for different audiences. The Australian Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government-funded organisations that assign these ratings and ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. This system helps consumers make informed choices about the media they choose to engage with and guides parents and guardians in making decisions for their children. The ratings range from G (General) to R 18+ and X 18+, with different restrictions and recommendations associated with each category. Some content may even be refused classification (RC) and banned from sale, hire, advertising, or import in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| G (General) rating | Suitable for everyone, but may contain content that may scare very young children |
| PG (Parental Guidance) rating | May contain content that a child may find confusing or upsetting and require the guidance of a parent or guardian. Not recommended for children under 15 without parental guidance |
| M (Mature) rating | Not recommended for children under 15. May contain moderate levels of classifiable material, such as violence, sex, or coarse language |
| MA 15+ rating | Restricted to people aged 15 and over. May contain content such as sex scenes and drug use |
| R 18+ rating | Restricted to adults 18 years and over |
| X 18+ rating | Restricted to adults 18 years and over. Contains sexually explicit activity, including sexual intercourse or other sexual activity between consenting adults |
| Exempt from classification | Films that are exempt are usually about general information and not meant for entertainment. No age restrictions |
| Refused Classification (RC) | Films, computer games, and publications that cannot be sold, hired, advertised, or legally imported into Australia |
| Category 1 Restricted and Category 2 Restricted | Can only be sold to adults. May contain content that may offend some sections of the adult community, such as nudity or explicit sexual content |
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What You'll Learn
'M' rating: unrestricted, not recommended for under 15s
In Australia, films, computer games, and certain publications must be classified before being made available to the public. These ratings are advisory categories, and there are no legal restrictions on viewing or playing these films and games. The M rating, which stands for Mature, falls under the unrestricted category. This means that anyone can purchase and access these publications, films, or games. However, they are not recommended for children under the age of 15.
The M rating indicates that the content is intended for mature audiences and may include material that requires a mature outlook or understanding. This could include themes and elements that are more suitable for older individuals. While there are no legal restrictions, parents and guardians are advised to exercise discretion and make informed choices about whether the content is suitable for children under their care.
The M rating is distinct from the MA 15+ rating, which is a legally restricted category. Films and games with this rating are restricted to individuals aged 15 and above. These works may contain more mature content, including sex scenes and drug use, that could have a strong impact on younger viewers. Proof of age may be required for MA 15+ rated content.
Publications in Australia may also fall under restricted categories. Category 1 Restricted and Category 2 Restricted publications can only be sold to adults and often contain explicit sexual content or nudity. These publications must be distributed in sealed wrappers and displayed only in adult-restricted premises.
The Australian classification system aims to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the suitability of films, games, and publications for themselves and their families.
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'MA 15+': restricted to 15 and over
In Australia, films, computer games, and certain publications must be classified before they can be made available to the public. The MA 15+ rating is one of the seven classification categories of the Australian film rating system and one of the six for the computer game system. The MA stands for Mature Accompanied, indicating that the content is suitable for those aged 15 and above.
The MA 15+ classification was introduced in 1993 to fill the gap between the M and R ratings. It is a legally restricted category, meaning there are legal restrictions on accessing these films and games. People may be asked to show proof of age before purchasing or viewing MA 15+ content, and those under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Cinemas can be fined for letting minors into an MA 15+ screening without an adult, and retailers should check IDs before selling MA 15+ games to youths.
MA 15+ content is considered high impact and may include strong violence, sex scenes, and drug use. This rating allows adult content in an unfiltered form, unlike lower ratings, which limit or depict it more subtly. For example, MA 15+ sex scenes may contain full nudity, while M or MA-rated content tends to have no nudity and minimal activity. MA 15+ films often belong to the horror, crime, war, or thriller genres, although some superhero movies like Deadpool and Logan are rated MA 15+ due to their high levels of violence and, in the case of the latter, language.
The introduction of the MA 15+ rating was controversial, with concerns about censorship. However, most people agreed that legally limiting youth access to high-impact content was necessary. This classification aims to balance creative freedom with protecting child development.
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'R 18+': restricted to adults 18 and over
In Australia, films and computer games that are classified as R 18+ are legally restricted to adults aged 18 and over. This means that only people aged 18 and above are allowed to purchase, hire, or view R 18+ content. This classification is one of the seven categories of the Australian film rating system and one of the six for the computer game system.
R 18+ content may contain material that is considered unsuitable for minors. This includes explicit sexual content, graphic nudity, and depictions of drug use and violence. For example, the French film *Baise-moi*, which features sexually violent and offensive content, was initially classified as R 18+ before being banned in Australia. Similarly, the video game *Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland* received an R 18+ rating due to references to sexual violence, despite receiving a Teen rating in North America and Japan.
It is important to note that the R 18+ classification in Australia does not permit depictions of sexual violence, coercion, or sexually assaultive language. Such content may fall under the more restrictive X 18+ classification, which is legally restricted to adults and banned from being sold or rented in most Australian states.
The Australian Classification Board is responsible for classifying all films and games released for public exhibition in the country. These classifications are designed to help individuals make informed choices about the content they view and play, particularly regarding themes, violence, language, drug use, nudity, and sex.
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'X 18+': restricted to adults 18 and over, sexually explicit content
In Australia, films and computer games are classified by the Australian Classification Board and the Classification Review Board. These organisations help Australians make informed choices about what to watch and play. The X 18+ rating is the most restrictive classification in Australia. Films with this rating are legally restricted to adults aged 18 and over. X 18+ films contain sexually explicit activity, including actual sexual intercourse or other sexual activity between consenting adults.
The X 18+ rating is applied to films with pornographic content, featuring unsimulated sex. However, depictions of sexual violence, coercion and sexually assaultive language are not permitted. It is important to note that X 18+ films are banned from being sold or rented in most Australian states. They are only legally available for sale or hire in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. However, importing X 18+ classified material from these two territories into other Australian states is permitted.
The X 18+ rating is not applicable to computer games. Before 2005, there was no 18+ rating for computer games, and games with high-impact content were banned. Now, games with sexually explicit content can receive the R 18+ rating, which is restricted to adults 18 and over. For example, the video game Grand Theft Auto IV features sexual encounters with prostitutes. The Australian version of the game was pre-censored to receive the MA 15+ rating, but the uncut version was later submitted and received the same rating.
Films classified as X 18+ are subject to strict regulations. It is illegal to view X 18+ content in front of minors, regardless of whether the viewing is in a private or public setting. Advertising for unclassified films will typically include a message instructing viewers to check the classification closer to the release date. Once a film is classified, the rating should be included in all promotional materials.
The Australian classification system aims to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the content they engage with. The X 18+ rating is the most restrictive classification, ensuring that sexually explicit content is only accessible to adults who are 18 or older.
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Refused Classification (RC): banned from sale, hire, advertisement, or import
In Australia, films, video games, and publications must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB) or the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) before they can be released. If a work is deemed too inappropriate by the ACB or OFLC, it may be Refused Classification (RC). This means the work is banned from sale, hire, advertisement, or import in Australia.
RC-rated material contains content that is considered unacceptable by community standards. This can include sexually explicit activity, sexual violence, offensive or abhorrent depictions of behavior and fetishes, and the promotion of illegal drug use. For example, the French film *Baise-moi* was banned in Australia due to its exploitative and offensive depictions of sexual violence and extreme violence. The American film *Ken Park* was also banned for its exploitative sexual depiction of minors, which is a criminal offense in Australia.
Video games can also be refused classification and banned in Australia. For instance, *Fallout 3* was initially refused classification due to its realistic visual representations of drugs and their delivery methods. However, a revised version of the game was later reclassified as MA 15+ after drug names were changed. *Grand Theft Auto IV* was also censored in Australia, with sexual scenes removed to meet the MA 15+ rating.
It is a criminal offense to sell, distribute, publicly exhibit, or import RC-rated material in Australia. Penalties can include fines of up to A$275,000 and/or up to 10 years imprisonment. However, it is important to note that these penalties typically apply to individuals or corporations responsible for distributing or exhibiting such content to a wider audience, rather than individuals who possess or access the content for personal use.
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Frequently asked questions
G stands for General and means the content is suitable for everyone. However, it may contain content that may scare very young children.
PG stands for Parental Guidance and means the content can be viewed by children under 15 with the guidance of a parent or guardian.
M stands for Mature and means the content is not recommended for children under 15. The content may contain moderate levels of classifiable material, such as violence, sex or coarse language.
MA 15+ means the content is restricted to people aged 15 and over. It may contain content such as sex scenes and drug use that may have a strong impact on the viewer.
R 18+ means the content is restricted to adults 18 years and over. It may contain sexually explicit activity or graphic nudity.
