CLASSIFICATION (PUBLICATIONS, FILMS AND COMPUTER GAMES) ACT 1995

This compilation was prepared on 1 July 2009
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 69 of 2008

The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section

The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney‑General's Department, Canberra

Contents

Part 1--Preliminary 1

1............ Short title [see Note 1] ....................................................................... 1

2............ Commencement [see Note 1] .............................................................. 1

3............ Purpose ............................................................................................... 1

4............ Powers and functions under State or Territory laws .......................... 1

5............ Definitions .......................................................................................... 2

5A......... Meaning of computer game ................................................................ 7

5B......... Exempt films and exempt computer games .......................................... 7

6............ Amendments of the Code ................................................................... 9

6A......... Application of the Criminal Code ...................................................... 9

Part 2--Classification 10

Division 1--Preliminary 10

7............ Types of classifications .................................................................... 10

8............ Markings for classifications .............................................................. 11

8A......... Notice about classifications .............................................................. 11

Division 2--Classification of publications, films and computer games 12

9............ Classification in accordance with the Code ...................................... 12

9A......... Refused Classification for publications, films or computer games that advocate terrorist acts 12

10.......... Classifications in writing etc. ............................................................ 13

11.......... Matters to be considered in classification ........................................ 13

12.......... Classification guidelines .................................................................... 13

13.......... Applications for classification of publications ................................. 14

13A....... Conditions of certain classifications for publications ....................... 15

14.......... Applications for classification of films ............................................ 15

14A....... Films consisting only of classified films ........................................... 17

14B....... Applications for television series films ............................................ 17

15.......... Discretion of Board .......................................................................... 19

16.......... Board may decline to deal with application if more than one work involved 20

17.......... Applications for classification of computer games .......................... 20

18.......... Considered form of publication, film or computer game to be final . 22

19.......... Screening of films and demonstration of computer games before classification 22

20.......... Board to decide consumer advice for publications, films and computer games 23

21.......... Declassification of classified films or computer games that are modified 24

21A....... Revocation of classification of films or computer games that are found to contain contentious material 24

21AA.... Revocation of classification of films containing additional content .. 25

21AB.... Revocation of classification of television series films ...................... 25

22.......... Classification of publications, films or computer games containing advertisements 26

22A....... Applications for classification for enforcement purposes ............... 26

22B....... Classification of a publication, film or computer game that may be the same as or similar to a classified item 27

22C....... Validation of Board decisions etc. on applications by law enforcement agencies 27

Division 2A--Assessments of additional content 29

Subdivision A--Additional content assessors 29

22D....... Additional content assessors ............................................................ 29

22E........ Revocation of additional content assessor status ............................. 29

22F........ Barring notice to additional content assessor ................................... 30

22G....... Review by AAT ............................................................................... 30

Subdivision B--Barring notices to applicants 31

22H....... Barring notice to applicant ............................................................... 31

22J........ Review by AAT ............................................................................... 31

Division 3--Submittable publications 32

23.......... Calling in submittable publications for classification ....................... 32

Division 3A--Calling in films 33

23A....... Calling in films for classification ....................................................... 33

Division 4--Calling in computer games 34

24.......... Calling in computer games for classification ..................................... 34

Division 5--Notice of decisions 36

25.......... Classification certificates .................................................................. 36

26.......... Notice of decisions ........................................................................... 36

27.......... Applications for information ............................................................ 37

28.......... When decisions take effect ............................................................... 38

Division 6--Certificates for exempt films or computer games 39

28A....... Application for certificate ................................................................ 39

28B....... Granting certificates .......................................................................... 40

28C....... Revocation of certificate ................................................................... 40

Part 3--Advertising 41

Division 1--Approval of general advertisements 41

29.......... Approval of advertisements ............................................................. 41

30.......... Calling in advertisements .................................................................. 42

Division 2--Advertising of unclassified films and unclassified computer games 44

Subdivision A--Scheme relating to advertising 44

31.......... Scheme for advertising may be determined by legislative instrument 44

Subdivision B--Assessments of likely classifications of unclassified films and unclassified computer games 46

32.......... Person may apply for assessment of likely classification of unclassified film or unclassified computer game 46

33.......... Board may assess likely classification of film or computer game .... 46

34.......... Revocation of assessments ............................................................... 47

35.......... Notice of decisions ........................................................................... 47

Part 4--Reclassification 49

38.......... Limit on reclassification .................................................................... 49

39.......... Reclassification etc. after 2 years ..................................................... 49

40.......... Notice of intention to reclassify etc. ................................................ 50

41.......... Consideration of submissions ........................................................... 50

Part 5--Review of decisions 51

42.......... The persons who may apply for review .......................................... 51

42A....... Review Board may refuse to deal with certain applications ............ 52

43.......... Applications for review .................................................................... 52

44.......... Dealing with applications ................................................................. 53

44A....... Obtaining copies for review .............................................................. 53

44B....... Validation of Review Board decisions etc. in relation to decisions on applications by law enforcement agencies 54

Part 6--The Classification Board 55

Division 1--Establishment of the Board 55

45.......... Establishment of Classification Board .............................................. 55

46.......... Constitution of Board ....................................................................... 55

47.......... Maximum number of members ......................................................... 55

48.......... Appointment of members ................................................................ 55

49.......... Full‑time and part‑time appointments ............................................. 55

50.......... Temporary members ........................................................................ 56

51.......... Terms and conditions of appointment ............................................. 56

Division 2--Responsibilities and powers of the Director 57

52.......... Responsibilities and powers of the Director .................................... 57

53.......... Powers of Director under State/Territory laws ................................ 57

Division 4--Procedure of the Board 58

56.......... Board to regulate its procedure ......................................................... 58

57.......... Decisions of the Board ..................................................................... 58

58.......... Procedures that apply to meetings of the Board .............................. 58

Division 5--Administrative provisions 60

59.......... Delegations ....................................................................................... 60

60.......... Remuneration and allowances ........................................................... 60

61.......... Leave of absence ............................................................................... 60

62.......... Outside employment ........................................................................ 61

63.......... Resignation ....................................................................................... 61

64.......... Disclosure of interests ...................................................................... 61

65.......... Termination of appointment ............................................................ 61

66.......... Acting appointments ........................................................................ 63

67.......... Annual report ................................................................................... 64

Part 7--The Review Board 65

Division 1--Establishment of the Review Board 65

72.......... Establishment of Classification Review Board ................................. 65

73.......... Constitution of Review Board .......................................................... 65

74.......... Appointment of members of the Review Board .............................. 65

75.......... Members of the Review Board to be part‑time ................................ 65

76.......... Terms and conditions of appointment ............................................. 65

Division 2--Responsibilities and powers of the Convenor 67

77.......... Responsibilities and powers of the Convenor .................................. 67

77A....... Powers of Convenor under State/Territory laws .............................. 67

Division 3--Procedure of the Review Board 68

78.......... Constitution of Review Board for the purpose of its functions ...... 68

79.......... Decisions of the Review Board ........................................................ 68

Division 4--Administrative provisions 69

79A....... Delegations ....................................................................................... 69

80.......... Remuneration and allowances ........................................................... 69

81.......... Resignation ....................................................................................... 69

82.......... Disclosure of interests ...................................................................... 70

83.......... Termination of appointment ............................................................ 70

84.......... Acting appointments ........................................................................ 72

85.......... Annual report ................................................................................... 72

Part 8--Miscellaneous 73

87.......... Evidentiary certificates ..................................................................... 73

87A....... Board to make decisions within a specified time .............................. 74

87B....... Review Board to make decisions within a specified time ................. 74

88.......... Additional functions of Board .......................................................... 74

88A....... Staff assisting the Board and the Review Board ............................... 74

89.......... Service of notices .............................................................................. 75

90.......... Payments to the States and Territories ............................................ 75

91.......... Waiver of fees ................................................................................... 75

91A....... Commonwealth not liable to pay a fee ............................................. 77

91B....... Cancellation of exemptions from fees ............................................... 77

91C....... Debts due to the Commonwealth ..................................................... 78

92.......... Act not to apply to broadcasting services under Broadcasting Services Act 78

92A....... Proceedings arising out of administration of Board or Review Board 78

93.......... Regulations ....................................................................................... 78

Part 9--Transitional provisions and repeals 80

94.......... Definitions ........................................................................................ 80

95.......... Service of member of former Board or former Review Board .......... 80

96.......... Decisions of former Board and former Review Board ...................... 80

97.......... Pending applications ......................................................................... 81

97A....... Reclassification ................................................................................. 81

98.......... Repeals ............................................................................................. 81

Part 10--Material prohibited in prescribed areas 82

Division 1--Preliminary 82

99.......... Definitions ........................................................................................ 82

100........ Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws ........................... 83

Division 2--Offences 85

101........ Possession or control of level 1 prohibited material in prescribed areas 85

102........ Possession or control of level 2 prohibited material in prescribed areas 85

103........ Supplying prohibited material in and to prescribed areas ................ 85

104........ Body corporate managers taken to have committed offences .......... 87

105........ Division does not apply to postal services ...................................... 87

Division 3--Seizure and forfeiture of prohibited material 88

106........ Seizure of prohibited material ........................................................... 88

107........ Seizure notices .................................................................................. 88

108........ Return of seized material--on request ............................................. 89

109........ Return of seized material--application to magistrate ...................... 89

110........ Seized material forfeited to the Commonwealth ............................... 89

111........ Relationship of Division to other laws ............................................. 90

Division 4--Miscellaneous 91

112........ Evidence ............................................................................................ 91

113........ Compensation for acquisition of property ....................................... 91

114........ Minister may repeal provisions of this Part .................................... 91

115........ Sunset provision [see Note 1] .......................................................... 92

Notes 93

An Act relating to the classification of publications, films and computer games, and related matters

Notes to the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995

Note 1

The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 as shown in this compilation comprises Act No. 7, 1995 amended as indicated in the Tables below.

For cessation details of Part 10 see section 115.

For all relevant information pertaining to application, saving or transitional provisions see Table A.

Table of Acts

Act	Number and year	Date of Assent	Date of commencement	Application, saving or transitional provisions
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995	7, 1995	15 Mar 1995	Ss. 1 and 2: Royal Assent Remainder: 1 Jan 1996 (see Gazette 1995, No. GN50)
Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act 1997	34, 1997	17 Apr 1997	Schedule 2: Royal Assent (a)	--
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999	146, 1999	11 Nov 1999	Schedule 1 (items 293-296): 5 Dec 1999 (see Gazette 1999, No. S584) (b)	--
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act (No. 1) 2000	111, 2000	4 Sept 2000	4 Sept 2000	--
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act (No. 1) 2001	13, 2001	22 Mar 2001	22 Mar 2002	Sch. 1 (item 57)
Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001	24, 2001	6 Apr 2001	S. 4(1), (2) and Schedule 6: (c)	S. 4(1), (2)
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2004	61, 2004	26 May 2004	Schedules 1 and 2: 26 May 2005 Remainder: Royal Assent	Sch. 1 (items 16-21)
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act (No. 2) 2004	140, 2004	14 Dec 2004	14 Dec 2004	--
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2007	27, 2007	15 Mar 2007	Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 (items 1, 3-6, 10-13, 15, 19, 20, 26): 1 July 2007 (see F2007L01781) Schedule 2 (items 7, 9, 14, 17, 18), Schedule 3 (items 7, 8) and Schedule 4 (items 10-14): 15 Mar 2008 Schedule 2 (items 16, 21-25) and Schedule 3 (items 1-6, 9-12): 15 Sept 2007 Remainder: Royal Assent	Sch. 1 (items 18-21), Sch. 2 (items 27-29), Sch. 3 (item 13) and Sch. 4 (items 2, 4, 13)
Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Act 2007	128, 2007	17 Aug 2007	Ss. 3-5: Royal Assent Schedule 1: 14 Sept 2007	Ss. 3-5
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Terrorist Material) Act 2007	179, 2007	28 Sept 2007	29 Sept 2007	Sch. 1 (item 4)
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Trustee Board and Other Measures) (Consequential Amendments) Act 2008	26, 2008	23 June 2008	Schedule 1 (items 47-54): Royal Assent	--
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Assessments and Advertising) Act 2008	69, 2008	1 July 2008	Schedule 1: 1 July 2009 Schedule 2: 1 Jan 2009 Remainder: Royal Assent	Sch. 1 (item 13) and Sch. 2 (item 5)

Table of Amendments

ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected	How affected
Part 1
S. 4.......................................	am. No. 27, 2007
S. 5 ......................................	am. No. 34, 1997; No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001; No. 61, 2004; Nos. 27 and 179, 2007; No. 69, 2008
S. 5A ...................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
S. 5B ...................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
	am. No. 61, 2004; No. 69, 2008
S. 6A ...................................	ad. No. 24, 2001
Part 2
Division 1
S. 7 ......................................	am. No. 61, 2004
S. 8 ......................................	am. No. 13, 2001; No. 27, 2007
S. 8A....................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
Division 2
S. 9.......................................	am. No. 179, 2007
S. 9A....................................	ad. No. 179, 2007
S. 10 ....................................	am. No. 13, 2001
S. 13.....................................	am. No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001
Note to s. 13.........................	ad. No. 111, 2000
S. 13A .................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
Subhead. to s. 14(1)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
Subhead. to s. 14(4)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 14 ....................................	am. No. 34, 1997; No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001; No. 27, 2007
Note to s. 14(1)....................	ad. No. 111, 2000
S. 14A..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 14B..................................	ad. No. 69, 2008
S. 15.....................................	am. No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001
Notes to s. 15(3), (4)...........	ad. No. 111, 2000
S. 16 ....................................	rs. No. 13, 2001
S. 17.....................................	am. No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001; No. 61, 2004; No. 27, 2007
Note to s. 17(1)....................	ad. No. 111, 2000
Heading to s. 18 ..................	am. No. 13, 2001
Ss. 18, 19 ............................	am. No. 13, 2001
Heading to s. 20 ..................	am. No. 13, 2001
S. 20 ....................................	am. No. 13, 2001; No. 61, 2004
Heading to s. 21 ..................	rs. No. 34, 1997
S. 21 ....................................	am. No. 34, 1997; No. 13, 2001; No. 27, 2007
S. 21A .................................	ad. No. 34, 1997
	rs. No. 13, 2001
S. 21AA...............................	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 21AB................................	ad. No. 69, 2008
Heading to s. 22 ..................	am. No. 13, 2001
S. 22.....................................	am. No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001; No. 69, 2008
S. 22A..................................	ad. No. 111, 2000
	am. No. 13, 2001
Note to s. 22A......................	ad. No. 111, 2000
S. 22B..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
S. 22C..................................	ad. No. 140, 2004
	am. No. 27, 2007
Division 2A
Div. 2A of Part 2...................	ad. No. 27, 2007
Subdivision A
Ss. 22D-22G........................	ad. No. 27, 2007
Subdivision B
S. 22H..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 22J...................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
Division 3
Note to s. 23(4)....................	ad. No. 24, 2001
Division 3A
Div. 3A of Part 2...................	ad. No. 13, 2001
S. 23A..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
Division 4
S. 24.....................................	am. No. 13, 2001
Note to s. 24(4)....................	ad. No. 24, 2001
Division 5
S. 25.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
Subhead. to s. 26(1)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
Subheads. to s. 26(3)-(5)...	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 26.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
S. 27.....................................	am. No. 111, 2000; No. 27, 2007
Notes to s. 27(2), (3)...........	ad. No. 111, 2000
Division 6
Div. 6 of Part 2.....................	ad. No. 13, 2001
S. 28A..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
	am. No. 61, 2004
S. 28B..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
S. 28C..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
	am. No. 61, 2004
Part 3
Heading to Part 3..................	rs. No. 69, 2008
Division 1
S. 29 ....................................	am. No. 34, 1997; No. 27, 2007; No. 69, 2008
S. 30.....................................	am. No. 69, 2008
Note to s. 30(3)....................	ad. No. 24, 2001
Division 2
Div. 2 of Part 3.....................	rs. No. 69, 2008
Subdivision A
S. 31.....................................	rs. No. 69, 2008
Subdivision B
S. 32.....................................	rs. No. 69, 2008
S. 33 ....................................	am. No. 61, 2004
	rs. No. 69, 2008
Ss. 34, 35.............................	rs. No. 69, 2008
Ss. 36, 37.............................	rep. No. 69, 2008
Part 4
Ss. 38, 39.............................	am. No. 13, 2001
Part 5
S. 42.....................................	am. No. 13, 2001; No. 61, 2004; No. 69, 2008
S. 42A..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
S. 44A..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
	am. No. 27, 2007
S. 44B..................................	ad. No. 140, 2004
	am. No. 27, 2007
Part 6
Division 1
S. 47.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
Division 2
S. 52.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
S. 53.....................................	am. No. 13, 2001; No. 27, 2007
Div. 3 of Part 6.....................	rep. No. 27, 2007
S. 54.....................................	am. No. 146, 1999
	rep. No. 27, 2007
S. 55.....................................	rep. No. 27, 2007
Division 5
S. 59.....................................	am. No. 146, 1999; No. 27, 2007
S. 61.....................................	am. No. 146, 1999
S. 65.....................................	am. No. 26, 2008
S. 67.....................................	rs. No. 27, 2007
Ss. 68, 69.............................	rep. No. 27, 2007
S. 70.....................................	am. No. 24, 2001
	rep. No. 27, 2007
S. 71.....................................	rep. No. 27, 2007
Part 7
Division 1
S. 73.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
Division 2
S. 77A..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
Division 4
S. 79A..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 83.....................................	am. No. 26, 2008
Part 8
S. 86.....................................	am. No. 13, 2001
	rep. No. 27, 2007
Subhead. to s. 87(1)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 87.....................................	rs. No. 111, 2000
	am. No. 27, 2007
Notes to s. 87(2), (3)...........	ad. No. 111, 2000
S. 87A..................................	ad. No. 111, 2000
	am. No. 69, 2008
S. 87B..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 88A..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 89.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
Subhead. to s. 91(1)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
Subhead. to s. 91(2)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 91.....................................	am. No. 111, 2000; No. 13, 2001; No. 27, 2007
Ss. 91A-91C........................	ad. No. 111, 2000
S. 92A..................................	ad. No. 27, 2007
Subhead. to s. 93(1)............	ad. No. 27, 2007
S. 93.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
Part 9
S. 94 ....................................	am. No. 34, 1997; No. 111, 2000
Heading to s. 95 ..................	rs. No. 27, 2007
S. 95.....................................	am. No. 27, 2007
S. 97.....................................	am. No. 69, 2008
S. 97A..................................	ad. No. 13, 2001
Part 10
Part 10..................................	ad. No. 128, 2007
Division 1
Ss. 99, 100...........................	ad. No. 128, 2007
Division 2
Ss. 101-105.........................	ad. No. 128, 2007
Division 3
Ss. 106-111.........................	ad. No. 128, 2007
Division 4
Ss. 112-115.........................	ad. No. 128, 2007
Schedule..............................	rep. No. 61, 2004

Table A

Application, saving or transitional provisions

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act (No. 1) 2001 (No. 13, 2001)

Schedule 1

57 Application of amendments

The amendments made by this Schedule (except the amendments made by items 16, 42, 49, 51, 52, 53 and 56) do not apply to:

(a) a publication, film or computer game first published before the commencement of this Act; or

(b) a publication, film or computer game for which an application for classification had been made before that commencement.

Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 (No. 24, 2001)

4 Application of amendments

(1) Subject to subsection (3), each amendment made by this Act applies to acts and omissions that take place after the amendment commences.

(2) For the purposes of this section, if an act or omission is alleged to have taken place between 2 dates, one before and one on or after the day on which a particular amendment commences, the act or omission is alleged to have taken place before the amendment commences.

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2004
(No. 61, 2004)

Schedule 1

16 Application of amendments

(1) The amendments made by this Schedule apply to the doing of things at or after the commencement of this Schedule.

(2) The insertion of subsection 7(4) by item 6 of this Schedule does not affect the interpretation of section 7 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 as in force before the inclusion of the subsection.

17 Conversion of certain pre‑commencement classifications of films to equivalent new classifications

If, just before this Schedule commenced, a film had a classification of a type mentioned in column 2 of the following table in relation to an item, then, for the purpose of applying the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 after this Schedule commences, the film is taken to have, and to have had at all times before this Schedule commenced when it had that classification, the classification of the type mentioned in column 3 of the table in relation to the item:

Film classifications
Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
Item	Former type of classification	New type of classification
1	MA	MA 15+
2	R	R 18+
3	X	X 18+

18 Conversion of certain pre‑commencement classifications of computer games to equivalent new classifications

If, just before this Schedule commences, a computer game had a classification of a type mentioned in column 2 of the following table in relation to an item, then, for the purpose of applying the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 after this Schedule commences, the computer game is taken to have, and to have had at all times before this Schedule commenced when it had that classification, the classification of the type mentioned in column 3 of the table in relation to the item:

Computer game classifications
Column 1		Column 2		Column 3
Item	Former type of classification		New type of classification
1	G (8+)		PG
2	M (15+)		M
3	MA (15+)		MA 15+

19 Amendments not to affect validity of pre‑commencement applications

The amendments made by this Schedule do not affect the validity, for the purposes of applying the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 after this Schedule commences, of any application made under that Act before the commencement of this Schedule.

20 Markings for classifications

(1) After this Schedule commences, the Director may, under subsection 8(1) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, determine:

(a) markings for types of classifications that existed before the commencement of this Schedule; and

(b) the manner in which the markings are to be displayed.

(2) To avoid doubt, the Director may under subitem (1) determine:

(a) a marking that is the same as a marking that the Director has determined for a type of classification that exists after this Schedule commences; and

(b) a manner in which a marking is to be displayed that is the same as the manner in which a marking for a type of classification that exists after this Schedule commences is to be displayed.

21 Giving of certain documents referring to former types of classifications

(1) To avoid doubt, if:

(a) after the commencement of this Schedule, the Director is required under section 27 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 to give a copy of a classification certificate or of a notice under section 26 of that Act; and

(b) the classification certificate or notice was issued before the commencement of this Schedule and refers to a type of classification that, after the commencement of this Schedule, is no longer set out in section 7 of that Act;

the Director must give a copy of the classification certificate or notice that was issued, despite the certificate or notice referring to a type of classification that is no longer set out in section 7 of that Act.

(2) To avoid doubt, if:

(a) after the commencement of this Schedule, the Director is required under section 87 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 to give a certificate about action taken, or not taken, under that Act; and

(b) the certificate is required to refer to a type of classification that, after the commencement of this Schedule, is no longer set out in section 7 of that Act;

the Director must refer in the certificate to the type of classification, despite the type no longer being set out in section 7 of that Act.

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2007
(No. 27, 2007)

Schedule 1

18 Transitional provision--training

If:

(a) before the commencement of item 4 of this Schedule, a person had completed training by the Office of Film and Literature Classification in the making of assessments; and

(b) immediately before that commencement, the person was authorised by the Director for the purposes of subsection 17(3) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995;

then, on and after that commencement, the person is taken to have completed training approved by the Director in the making of assessments.

19 Application provision--annual report

(1) The amendment made by item 9 of this Schedule applies to annual reports required to be given after the commencement of that item.

(2) Section 67 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, as in force immediately before the commencement of item 9 of this Schedule, continues to apply as if subsection 67(1) were as follows:

(1) As soon as practicable after the end of the financial year in which item 9 of Schedule 1 to the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2007 commences, the Director must give to the Minister:

(a) a report of the management of the administrative affairs of the Board for the part of the financial year that occurred before that commencement; and

(b) financial statements for the Board and the Review Board for the part of the financial year that occurred before that commencement.

20 Application provision--audit

(1) The amendment made by item 11 of this Schedule applies to financial years that commence on or after the commencement of that item.

(2) This subitem applies if, before the commencement of item 11 of this Schedule, the Auditor‑General had not complied with section 69 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 for the financial year in which that item commences.

(3) If subitem (2) applies, section 69 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, as in force immediately before the commencement of item 11 of this Schedule, continues to apply as if subsection 69(1) were as follows:

(1) The Auditor‑General must, within 3 months after the end of the financial year in which item 11 of Schedule 1 to the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2007 commences, inspect and audit:

(a) the accounts and records of financial transactions relating to the administration of the affairs of the Board and of the Review Board; and

(b) the records relating to assets held by, or in the custody of, the Director on behalf of the Commonwealth;

for the part of the financial year that occurred before the commencement of that item.

21 Application provision--access to accounts and records

Despite the repeal of section 70 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 by item 12 of this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation to accounts and records mentioned in subsection 70(1) of that Act (as in force before the commencement of that item) that relate to the whole or part of any financial years that occurred before the commencement of that item, as if that repeal had not happened.

Schedule 2

27 Application provisions

(1) The amendments made by items 2 and 8 of this Schedule apply to decisions made, and actions taken, by the Convenor before or after the commencement of those items.

(2) The amendments made by items 3 and 4 of this Schedule apply to publications, films and computer games that are classified by the Review Board on or after the commencement of those items, whether the application for review of the decision in relation to the publication, film or computer game is made before or after the commencement of those items.

(3) The amendment made by item 5 of this Schedule applies to applications made to the Director on or after the commencement of that item.

(4) The amendment made by item 7 of this Schedule applies to the making of a requirement on or after the commencement of that item, in relation to applications for review that are made before or after commencement.

(5) The amendments made by items 13 and 26 of this Schedule apply in relation to judicial or other proceedings commenced after the commencement of those items, whether the thing was done before or after the commencement of those items.

(6) The amendment made by item 16 of this Schedule applies in relation to decisions of the Director made on or after the commencement of that item.

(7) The amendments made by items 17 and 18 of this Schedule apply in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of those items.

(8) The amendment made by item 19 of this Schedule applies in relation to:

(a) applications for review made on or after the commencement of that item; and

(b) annual reports given to the Minister under section 85 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 for the financial year in which the item commences, and for later financial years.

(9) The amendments made by items 21 to 24 of this Schedule apply in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of those items.

(10) The amendment made by item 25 of this Schedule applies in relation to decisions of the Director or Convenor made on or after the commencement of that item.

28 Transitional provision--fee waiver principles

(1) This item applies to written principles that were:

(a) determined under subsection 91(1A) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995; and

(b) in force immediately before the commencement of item 22 of this Schedule.

(2) The written principles have effect, and may be dealt with, in relation to the waiver of fees by the Director under subsection 91(1) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (as amended by this Act) after the commencement of item 22 of this Schedule, as if they had been determined under subsection 91(1B) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 as inserted by this Act.

29 Transitional provision--powers of the Director

Despite the amendment made to section 44A of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 by item 7 of this Schedule, a provision of a law of a State or the Northern Territory is to be taken, for the purposes of paragraph 53(a) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, to correspond to section 44A of that Act during the period that:

(a) starts when that item commences; and

(b) ends when item 9 of this Schedule commences.

Schedule 3

13 Application of amendments

(1) The amendments made by items 1 to 4 and item 6 of this Schedule apply to applications for classification of films made on or after the commencement of those items.

(2) The amendment made by item 5 of this Schedule applies to applications for classification of films and computer games made on or after the commencement of that item.

(3) On and after the commencement of item 7 of this Schedule, the amendment made by that item applies to films (new films) that are contained on one device and consist only of 2 or more classified films:

(a) whether the new films were created before or after the commencement of that item; and

(b) whether the classified films were classified before or after the commencement of that item.

(4) The amendment made by item 8 of this Schedule applies to modifications made to classified films after the commencement of that item, whether the film was classified before or after the commencement of that item.

Schedule 4

2 Application provision

The amendment made by item 1 of this Schedule applies to applications for classification made on or after the commencement of that item.

4 Application provision

The amendment made by item 3 of this Schedule applies to:

(a) applications for approval of advertisements for publications, films and computer games; and

(b) applications for review of decisions to approve or refuse to approve advertisements for publications, films or computer games;

that are made on or after the commencement of that item.

13 Transitional provision--determined markings

(1) This item applies to a determination that was in force under section 8 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 immediately before the commencement of item 12 of this Schedule.

(2) The determination has effect, after the commencement of that item, as if it had been made under section 8 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 as amended by this Schedule.

Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Act 2007 (No. 128, 2007)

3 Northern Territory (Self‑Government) Act

Section 49 of the Northern Territory (Self‑Government) Act 1978 does not apply in relation to the provisions of this Act.

4 Racial Discrimination Act

(1) Subject to subsection (3), the provisions of this Act, and any acts done under or for the purposes of those provisions, are, for the purposes of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, special measures.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the provisions of this Act, and any acts done under or for the purposes of those provisions, are excluded from the operation of Part II of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to amendments or repeals made by Division 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 (law enforcement) to this Act.

(4) In this section, a reference to:

(a) any acts done includes a reference to any failure to do an act; and

(b) provisions of this Act includes a reference to provisions of other Acts that are inserted, amended or repealed by the provisions of this Act.

5 Some Northern Territory laws excluded

(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the provisions of this Act are intended to apply to the exclusion of a law of the Northern Territory that deals with discrimination so far as it would otherwise apply.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), any acts done under or for the purposes of the provisions of this Act have effect despite any law of the Northern Territory that deals with discrimination.

Northern Territory laws that are not excluded

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a law of the Northern Territory so far as the Minister determines, by legislative instrument, that the law is a law to which subsections (1) and (2) do not apply.

Provisions of this Act that are not excluded

(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to amendments or repeals made by Division 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 (law enforcement) to this Act.

Interpretation

(5) In this section, a reference to:

(a) any acts done includes a reference to any failure to do an act; and

(b) provisions of this Act includes a reference to provisions of other Acts that are inserted, amended or repealed by the provisions of this Act.

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Terrorist Material) Act 2007 (No. 179, 2007)

Schedule 1

4 Application

The amendments made by items 2 and 3 apply in relation to decisions made by the Board or Review Board on or after the commencement of this item.

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Assessments and Advertising) Act 2008 (No. 69, 2008)

Schedule 1

13 Transitional regulations

(1) The Governor‑General may make regulations providing for matters of a transitional nature in relation to the advertising of unclassified films that have been granted a certificate of exemption.

(2) In this item:

certificate of exemption means a certificate of exemption granted by the Board under section 33 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, as in force before its repeal by item 9 of this Schedule.

Schedule 2

5 Application of amendments

The amendments made by this Schedule apply to applications for classification of films made on or after the commencement of this Schedule.

Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

CLASSIFICATION (PUBLICATIONS, FILMS AND COMPUTER GAMES) ACT 1995 - NOTES