Review of the National Classification Scheme Announced
21
Dec
21 December 2010
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will |
ask the Australian Law Reform Commission to conduct a review of classification in Australia |
in light of changes in technology, media convergence and the global availability of media |
content. |
“As Australia’s foremost law reform institution the ALRC is well suited to lead this important |
work. The Commission previously conducted an inquiry into laws relating to classification |
and censorship in 1991,” Mr McClelland said. |
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said current classification categories would be |
considered as part of the review. |
“It has become increasingly clear that the system of classification in Australia needs to be |
modernised so it is able to accommodate developments in technology now and in the future,” |
Mr O’Connor said. |
“When the National Classification Scheme began, classifiable content and the way it was |
delivered to consumers was relatively static.” |
“Today, films can be watched in a cinema, on DVD, on TV or downloaded. Many video |
games include significant film segments to tell stories, and some films have interactive |
content. The National Broadband Network will increase this ready access to classifiable |
content.” |
“People, particularly parents, need a system of classification in Australia that allows them to |
make informed choices about what they wish to read, see and hear,” Mr O’Connor said. |
“This important review will look not only at classification categories, but also at the whole |
classification system to ensure it continues to be effective in the 21st century.” |
The National Classification Scheme is a cooperative scheme between the Commonwealth and |
the States and Territories. |
The Attorney-General’s Department is seeking comments on the proposed terms of reference |
for the review. The proposed terms of reference can be found at www.classification.gov.au. |
Any comments should be provided by 28 January 2011. |
Media |