The classification board has updated consumer recommendations for some films.
In 2022 the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts surveyed 2,000 Australians about their values, understanding and use of classification information.
Many respondents expressed a desire for up-to-date, modern rating information that reflects community standards and expectations, with 84% of people agreeing that advice should be provided to consumers about content that may be distressing to some people.
The council agreed to provide additional consumer advice for certain content to ensure Australians are better informed about whether a film contains potentially triggering content such as bullying, suicide and self-harm, as well as disturbing content relating to horror or gore.
For example, if a film features violence at impact level MA 15+ but also contains gore and gore at impact level M, the film’s rating will be MA 15+ and consumer recommendations for the film will reference both violence, and gore and blood.
Minister of Communications, Hon. Michelle Rowland MP: “The survey showed us that Australians like the rating scheme, but want more information about what they watch. This updated advice will ensure there are no surprises and help adults make informed decisions about the content they consume and the content entrusted to them.
Classification Board Director, Fiona Jolly: “Updated consumer advice is applied by the board when making decisions to better reflect contemporary community standards. It provides useful information that allows Australians to make informed choices, particularly in relation to content that may be of interest to them.”
For more information visit How to decide an evaluation
