The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Assessments and Advertising) Bill 2008 passed the Senate this week. Here’s a brief look at some of the changes:
- The Bill allows unclassified films and computer games to be advertised before they are classified, providing they meet set conditions and are assessed as part of a new industry self-assessment scheme. A safeguard exists to prevent advertisements being shown in a film/game where the advertised content would likely be classified at a higher level to the film/game it’s being shown.
- The definition of ?advertisement? explicitly includes advertising on the internet.
- ‘Advertisement’ now excludes product merchandising such as toys, drink bottles and lunchboxes.
- The definition of ?decision? has been amended so a Classification Board decision on the likely classification of an unclassified film or computer game can be reviewed by the Classification Review Board.
- Recognition that classifying a Television Series (for say a DVD) is different to classifying a film. This introduces an industry self-assessment scheme where a series has been broadcast in Australia.
- The new advertising scheme does not apply to material that is likely to be classified X 18+ or RC.
Read the bill online here or download the PDF.
These changes will hopefully make it easier for producers to advertise and classify their content. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any relief for the adult industry.
