Terms of Reference

Inquiry into the Australian film and literature classification scheme

Terms of Reference

The Australian film and literature classification scheme, with particular reference to:  

a) the use of serial classifications for publications;  

b) the desirability of national standards for the display of restricted publications and films;  

c) the enforcement system, including call-in notices, referrals to state and territory law enforcement agencies and follow-up of such referrals;  

d) the interaction between the National Classification Scheme and customs regulations;  

e) the application of the National Classification Scheme to works of art and the role of artistic merit in classification decisions;  

f)  the impact of X18+ films, including their role in the sexual abuse of children;  

g) the classification of films, including explicit sex or scenes of torture and degradation, sexual violence and nudity as R18+;  

h) the possibility of including outdoor advertising, such as billboards, in the National Classification Scheme;  

i) the application of the National Classification Scheme to music videos;  

j) the effectiveness of the ‘ARIA/AMRA Labelling Code of Practice for Recorded Music Product Containing Potentially Offensive Lyrics and/or Themes';  

k) the effectiveness of the National Classification Scheme in preventing the sexualisation of children and the objectification of women in all media, including advertising;  

l) the interaction between the National Classification Scheme and the role of the Australian Communications and Media Authority in supervising broadcast standards for television and Internet content;  

m) the effectiveness of the National Classification Scheme in dealing with new technologies and new media, including mobile phone applications, which have the capacity to deliver content to children, young people and adults;  

n) the Government's reviews of the Refused Classification (RC) category; and  

o) any other matter, with the exception of the introduction of a R18+ classification for computer games which has been the subject of a current consultation by the Attorney-General's Department.

  


For further information, contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Legal and Constitutional Committees
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone:+61 2 6277 3560
Fax:+61 2 6277 5794
Email:legcon.sen@aph.gov.au

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