NCJ Number
130482
Date Published
1991
Length
103 pages
Annotation
This report outlines the present procedures used in Australia for classifying and censoring films and printed materials and explains the preliminary views of the Australian Law Reform Commission regarding potential law reforms.
Abstract
The analysis notes that many pieces of Federal, State, and territorial legislation deal with the classification, exhibition, sale, and distribution of films and publications. Although governmental officials generally agree regarding film classification, the procedural aspects have never been made uniform. The goal of the Australian Law Reform Commission's review of this area is to ensure that the Australian censorship laws are uniform and to devise a means to maintain that uniformity. The major issues include the legislative structure, administrative methods, the media to be covered by the system, and the ability of members of the general public as well as industry to have classifications reconsidered. Other issues related to the principle of strict liability; the classification of publications; the licensing of distributors, retailers, and exhibitors; and the registration of films imported for public exhibition. Text of proposed legislation