The classification system has several levels of "restricted" categories, prohibiting sale, exhibition or use of some materials to those who are under a prescribed age.
If the ACB believes an unclassified work, in their estimation, would receive an X 18+ classification if it were to be classified they would not grant an exemption for public screening, as an X 18+ cannot be exhibited.
Customs Minister Don Chipp announced significant classification reform in 1970, including published decision registrars and the requirement of cinemas to legally restrict attendees.
[8] In August 2014, the ACB introduced amendments to allow for the automated classification process employed by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC).
This new process reduces the costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online.
Failure to give classification (especially for unclassified material that is likely to be classified RC) is an implicit ban (except for exempt films, games, and publications).
It is an offence "to display, demonstrate, sell, hire, publicly exhibit or advertise a film or computer game" without having it classified.
Some films and documentaries (such as current affairs and those created for business, scientific and education purposes) are exempt from classification unless, if classified, they would be M or above.
They indicate the elements in films and computer games which caused the classification and help consumers make choices about what they read, view or play.
In January 2019, for the first time, Netflix was given the go-ahead to self-regulate film and television classification on its streaming platform, allowing the company to rank content between G and R 18+.
Unrestricted with the consumer advice M (Mature) The restricted publications are for adults and they are not to be sold to people under 18 (and in Queensland under state law).
There is a confusion for people that comes from knowing the suited audience for PG, M and MA 15+ films and games due to their definitions that revolve around 15 years of age.
The mild+ category, if introduced, could excel the mild impact level (PG), but not so as to require a mature perspective (M classification) and it could be relevant for films with a more significant amount of action or fantasy violence.
If the rating is implemented, the non-restricted classifications would read like this:[20] This would mean the age restrictive numbers (15 and 18) would only be present for the legally-restricted categories of MA 15+, R 18+ and X 18+.
The ACB is not suggesting that the new PG-13 rating would be applied retrospectively, but rather prospectively, as was the case when the MA 15+ category was initiated and when R 18+ was adopted for video games.
One of the main opponents to the introduction of an R 18+ rating for video games was the former South Australian Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, who vetoed every attempt to include one.
"[39][40][41][42] In December 2010, Attorney General Robert McClelland appeared to be moving on this issue following the release of telephone poll results conducted by the Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor, showing roughly 80% in support of an R 18+ classification.
[44] On 22 July 2011, a meeting of attorneys-general produced an in-principle agreement to introduce the R 18+ classification for video games; however, NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith abstained from the vote.
The Home Affairs Minister, Brendan O'Connor, said the federal government would over-ride NSW and implement the R 18+ rating regardless of its decision and would be officially available before the end of 2011.