Every film and computer game has to be classified before it can be legally made available to the public. Some publications also need to be classified. There are limited exceptions to this rule. The Classification Board provides a rating and also decides what consumer advice should be provided with each classification. Consumer advice is designed to let consumers know which classifiable elements (for example violence, sex, coarse language, themes, drug use and/or nudity) have led to the classification decision. Consumer advice helps you make an informed choice about the material you, or those in your care, choose to read, view or play.
G, PG & M are advisory ratings and we encourage parents and patrons to use these ratings to make informed decisions. Entry for these classifications are not legally restricted by age. MA15+ is a legally restricted rating, and patrons under 15 cannot attend unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian who is exercising “parental control”. An older sibling or friend would not satisfy this requirement, whereas a grandparent, aunt or uncle may. R18+ is also legally restricted, people aged under 18 cannot be admitted to an R18+ film, even if under supervision.
If you would like to know more about the classification system, visit the Australian classification guidelines.