Research
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Research
This section is designed to provide access to research and other reference materials that are useful in researching classification and censorship issues.
Market research is undertaken to gauge consumer standards and behaviour, which is important in policy formulation. In general this involves members of the community in qualitative or quantitative studies.
Compliance research gauges and monitors the effectiveness of the National Classification Scheme in action in the entertainment marketplace.
Some commissioned research is specifically undertaken in support of the development of policy advice. This type of research includes the sourcing, interpretation and application of findings from research already undertaken by experts in a number of different disciplines.
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Market Research
Classification Decisions and Community Standards Report – PDF 395KB – March 2008
The selected research provider, Galaxy Research, undertook research into whether classification decisions on films and computer games represent community standards, and on views about the acceptable levels of sex and violence at R 18+. The research was commissioned at the request of Commonwealth, State and Territory Censorship Ministers. The research surveyed a representative sample to measure satisfaction with the classification of a recently released film or computer game and invite responses on classification generally. The findings indicate that classification decisions do reflect current community standards and that views on the acceptable level of sex and violence at R 18+ are divided.
Classification Study – PDF 174KB – June 2005
Independent researchers were commissioned to undertake quantitative research in May 2005 prior to the launch of new classification markings, to capture the understanding of the outgoing classification markings for films and computer games. Researchers used a nationally representative sample, to assess understanding and awareness of classification markings, consumer advice and attitudes to the national classification scheme. The study indicated that the awareness of the classification symbols used for film, video and DVD was high however the level of understanding of the meanings of the different symbols varied enormously.
Review of Consumer Advice for Films and Computer Games – PDF 419KB – June 2005
The aim of the Review was to develop a system of consumer advice that would meaningfully communicate the content of films and computer games, so that consumers could make informed entertainment viewing choices. Both the practitioners (those who provide consumer advice) and the consumers (those who use consumer advice) provided input. As an outcome of the review the Boards formally agreed to principles for providing consumer advice and a framework of specific consumer advice (part 6 of the Review).
Community attitudes towards media classification and consumer advice – PDF 497KB – March 2004
A report on qualitative research, jointly conducted jointly by the OFLC and the Australian Broadcasting Association in October 2002, into community attitudes towards classification ratings and consumer advice for films/videos/DVDs, computer games and television. Focus groups covered the key consumer segments of teenagers (14 to 15 years), young working adults (20 to 29 years), parents of children aged 3 to 9 years and older children (10 to 15 years), and seniors (55 and over years).
2004 Community Assessment Panels – PDF 617KB; 2004 Community Assessment Panels Appendix A – PDF 502KB; 2004 Community Assessment Panels Appendix B – PDF 3MB – February 2005
This is the report by Urbis Keys Young of the 2004 Community Assessment Panels. These panels were conducted to test the extent to which the decisions made by the Classification Board reflected current Australian community standards towards films and computer games.
The panels consisted of up to 20 members of the public of various ages and backgrounds who provided independent classification assessments of films and computer games already classified by the Board, but not yet publicly released.
The 2004 Community Assessment Panels were conducted in Canberra, Alice Springs and Melbourne. Outcomes from the 2004 panels demonstrate a high level of agreement between the community assessment panels and the Classification Board.
Qualitative Report – M and A15+ evaluation – PDF 203KB – July 2003
In May 2003 the Office of Film and Literature Classification conducted a small scale qualitative consumer research project to explore consumer understanding of the M and MA classification categories, as well as to gather feedback on a number of alternative symbols and descriptions for these two categories.
Classification useage and attitude study – PDF 201KB – November 2002
In September 2002 the OFLC conducted quantitative market research to better understand how Australians use the existing classification system and how they feel about it. A national telephone study using Newspoll’s adult omnibus service was conducted in both metropolitan and rural areas across Australia, surveying 1200 adults. In addition, a sample of 400 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 were interviewed in Sydney and Melbourne.
Australian consumer’s understanding of classification information – PDF 319KB – March 2002
In February 2002 the OFLC conducted quantitative market research to better understand a range of issues, including the level of consumer familiarity with the organisation, with the symbols it uses to classify film, video and computer games, and with the yellow 'yet to be classified' slide used in cinemas. A national study using AC Nielsen’s face to face omnibus service was conducted, surveying 1075 people aged 14 years and over.
Community Assessment Panels Report – PDF 883KB – June 2000
Panels were convened in Perth, Adelaide and Bendigo in 2000. Results demonstrated that the Classification Board’s decisions can be considered to represent community standards, with all films, except one, classified alike by the panels and the Board.
Community Assessment Panels Report – PDF 548KB – June 1998
The first Community Assessment Panels were convened in Sydney, Brisbane and Wagga Wagga between October 1997 and March 1998. Out of the 9 films classified by the panels, 6 received the same classification by the panels and the Board.
Compliance Snapshot DVD and computer games for hire – Brisbane – PDF 261KB - September 2005 – June 2006
A study of compliance with classification laws by video stores in Brisbane undertaken in September 2005.
Compliance Snapshot DVD and computer games for sale – Melbourne – PDF 271KB –September 2005 - June 2006
A study of compliance with classification laws by retail outlets in Melbourne undertaken in September 2005.
Cinema Compliance Snapshot – Sydney – PDF 3.9MB – November 2005 – April 2006
A second study of compliance with classification laws by cinemas was undertaken in November 2005. Conducted across 94% of cinemas in the greater Sydney region, this second snapshot generally shows compliance by the cinema industry to have risen from 55% to 84% since July 2005, with 72% of cinemas exceeding legal requirements in certain areas.
Cinema Compliance Snapshot – Sydney – PDF 244KB – July 2005 – August 2005
Following the introduction of new markings for films and computer games on 26 May 2005, the OFLC initiated this study in the greater Sydney area to obtain a 'snapshot' of compliance with the marking requirements by the cinema industry.
Report on Review of the Operation of 2003 Guidelines for Classification for Films and Computer Games – PDF 926KB – December 2004
The objective of the Operational Review was to assess whether the introduction of the Guidelines for Classification of Films and Computer Games 2003 had the inadvertent effect of changing classification standards. Public submissions were invited. An independent consultant, Ms Kate Aisbett of Entertainment Insights, assisted with conducting the Operational Review. Ms Aisbett provided her final report on the review in December 2004.
A Comparative Analysis of Rating, Classification and Censorship in selected countries around the world – PDF 115KB – September 2003
This report by Dr Jeffrey Brand compares and contrasts ratings and classification schemes in selected countries around the world. The report is organised into five sections. The first explores ratings, classification and censorship on key indicators. The second section explores important trends and similarities in approaches to content regulation across countries and the third section highlights key differences. The fourth section presents issues and challenges that appear to be facing ratings organisations, classifiers and censors. The fifth section makes recommendations for further investigations in this area.
Review of the Classification Guidelines for Films and Computer Games – PDF 374KB – 8 March 2002
This report by Dr Jeffrey Brand, Bond University,is an independent analysis of the 372 submissions from the public to the review of the previous guidelines for the classification of films and videotapes and the guidelines for the classification of computer games. The report summarises the matters covered in the submissions and makes recommendations for reform. This report informed the development of the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2003.
Publications Guidelines Review – PDF 764KB – February 1999
This report by Professor Sheehan analyses public submissions to the Review of the Publications Guidelines and makes recommendations for the redrafting of the guidelines. The report was used to inform Censorship Ministers. The outcome of this review was the Guidelines for the Classification of Publications which came into effect on 1 September 1999.
Computer Games and Australians today – PDF 914KB – 1999
This report, by Kevin Durkin and Kate Aisbett, presented the results of a nation-wide research project into community attitudes to computer games. The report discusses the computer games industry, its markets and products. The report also provides information about the use of computer games among adults and children, both male and female, through qualitative studies that explore the perceptions and experiences of players, the views of Australians in general, and the policy implications of regulating this dynamic industry.
Computer Games – Their effects on young people – A Review – PDF 1.6MB – 1995
A report by Professor Kevin Durkin providing a critical review of research into the effects of computer games on young people. Strengths and weaknesses of the available research are discussed, gaps in current knowledge are identified and priorities for future research are suggested.
Parliamentary committees conduct inquiries into specific matters and scrutinise government activity, including legislation and the conduct of public administration.
A Parliamentary committee consists of a group of Members of the House of Representatives or Senators (or both in the case of joint committees) appointed by one or both Houses of Parliament. Parliamentary committees undertake inquiries by taking submissions, questioning witnesses and holding public forums. Committees formulate conclusions and recommendations after each inquiry.
Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills:
Twelfth Report of 2004 (December 2004) – PDF 222KB
This report includes the Government’s response to issues of a technical nature in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Bill (No 2) of 2004. The Amendment Act commenced on 14 December 2004.
Reports of the Senate Legal and Constitutional References and Legislation Committee:
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1999 (April 2000)
The Bill proposed abolishing the X 18+ classification and creating a new NVE (Non-Violent Erotica) category for non-violent, sexually explicit films. The Senate referred the provisions of this Bill to the Committee for inquiry and report. The Committee recommended that the Bill proceed without amendment. However, the Government decided not to proceed with the NVE proposal and the Bill was amended accordingly and subsequently enacted.
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Bill 1998 and the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Charges Bill 1998 (April 1999) – PDF 1MB
These two Bills were introduced to implement a full cost recovery regime for the National Classification Scheme and were referred to the Committee due to industry concerns. The Committee recommended that these Bills be passed without amendment. However, the Charges Bill was rejected by the Senate on 9 March 2000. The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Bill 1998 became the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act (No 2) 2000 and came into effect on 23 March 2002.
Consideration of the Provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Bill 1994 (November 1994) – PDF 667KB
This Bill was based on the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Report on Censorship Procedure (No 55, 1991) for the establishment of a national classification scheme. The Committee considered the limited power of Parliament to scrutinise delegated legislation and community consultation on the Bill. The Committee recommended that the Bill be agreed to. The Act came into effect on 1 January 1996.
Reports of the Senate Community Standards Relevant to the Supply of Services Utilising Electronic Technologies Committee and the Select Committee on Community Standards Relevant to the Supply of Services Utilising Telecommunications Technologies [former Committee]:
Portrayal of violence in the Electronic Media (February 1997) – PDF 3.2MB
This report constitutes the second phase of an inquiry into the portrayal of violence in the electronic media, the first being carried out by a Committee of Ministers in the wake of the events at Port Arthur in Tasmania on 27 April 1996. The only supported recommendation relating to classification pertained to song lyrics. Audio recordings are subject to industry self regulation.
Regulation of Computer Online Services: Part 3 (June 1997) – PDF 2.6MB
Due to the rapid pace of change in the online industry, the Committee revisited the subject of its 1995 enquiries. The Committee received 47 submissions from major online players and made a range of recommendations relating to regulatory measures, codes of practice and blocking and filtering devices.
R-Rated Material on Pay TV: Part 2 and the Review of the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Videotapes (October 1996) – PDF 1.4MB
Issues discussed in the report include the guidelines review process, community input into classification decisions and the enforcement of classification restrictions by the States and Territories. In response to the report, the Government made a commitment to public consultation and involvement of experts in guidelines reviews.
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Regulations: Statutory Rules 1995 No. 401 (August 1996) – PDF 1MB
The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Regulations prescribe the fees paid by applicants for classification of films, computer games and publications. Industry concerns, and preference for a progressive phasing in of increases in fees, influenced a Motion of Disallowance in the Senate, and the Regulations were referred to the Committee. The Committee conducted a public hearing on 15 July 1996 and recommended that the Regulations not be disallowed.
Regulation of Computer Online Services: Part 2 (November 1995) – PDF 2MB
Following the conduct of the Committee’s April 1995 seminar, the Government announced a three component strategy for regulation of online content, including a self-regulatory scheme incorporating a code of practice for the industry, an education component to help protect children, and sanctions for breaches of community standards. The Committee held public hearings to discuss the proposed scheme. The Government responded that the issues raised in this report would be dealt with through legislation.
Report on Operations of Codes of Practice in the Television Industry Part 1 (October 1995) – PDF 2.3MB
The purpose of this report was to evaluate the effectiveness, in the area of programming, of the new ‘self-regulatory’ scheme for broadcasting. The Committee recommended numerous changes to the codes of practice of the national broadcasters (ABC and SBS) and the commercial television sector, including the classification guidelines, consumer advice and the promotion of program classifications. The Government responded that the content of codes of practice is largely a matter for broadcasters.
Regulation of Computer Online Services: Part 1 (September 1995) – PDF 1MB
This report is a record of a public seminar conducted in Canberra on 4 April 1995 which included the presentation of evidence from a range of expert parties from the computer industry and the community.
R-Rated Material on Pay TV: Part 1 of 1 – PDF 4.8MB; Part 2 of 2 – PDF 5MB
(February 1995)
Although the Committee had tabled its final report on this issue in 1992, the Senate agreed to extend the Committee’s term to contribute to the development of, and to monitor, the conduct of research into community standards in relation to pay TV classifications. The Committee’s report recommended the continuation of the current moratorium on the broadcast of R 18+ material on television, and foreshadowed a range of issues for pay TV codes of practice and the classification guidelines for films. This investigation into the R 18+ category resulted in further restrictions on the depiction of violence and sexual violence.
Overseas Sourced Audiotex Services, Video and Computer Games, R-Rated Material on Pay TV (29 June 1994) – PDF 3MB
The Committee inquired into video and computer games classification issues, the 0055 phone services and 0011 international Audiotex services for this report. Issues discussed include progress made with the creation of a classification scheme for computer games and whether R 18+ material should be broadcast on pay TV.
Video and Computer Games and Classification Issues (October 1993) – PDF 3MB
The Commmittee recommended a classification scheme for computer games, stricter classification criteria and no R 18+ or X 18+ classifications for computer games. The Committee also recommended that the classification guidelines be revised and clarified, particularly in relation to the RC (Refused Classification) category.
Report (May 1993) – PDF 1MB
This report includes an analysis of Australian Broadcasting Authority research, codes of practice for free-to-air broadcasting and telephone message services.
Final Report (June 1992) – PDF 4.8MB
This final report includes an analysis of violence in R 18+ films and the suitability of R 18+ and X 18+ films for pay television, including classification standards for pay TV. Many recommendations were implemented through the enactment of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
Report on telephone message services (May 1992) – PDF 2.7MB
This final report incorporated Government and Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Corporation (AOTC) responses to the interim 1991 report. With regard to the OFLC, the Government supported the Committee recommendation that appropriate community standards for message content should be established through consultation with the OFLC.
Interim Report on telephone message services (December 1991) – PDF 5MB
The Committee released this interim report due to community concerns regarding telephone recorded message services (0055 services). The Committee recommended that there should be strict enforcement of appropriate standards. The Government undertook to monitor the industry closely and assess the community satisfaction with the system of self-regulation.
Report of the Joint Select Committee on Video Material [former Committee]:
Report of the Joint Select Committee on Video Material (April 1988) Volume 1 – PDF 6MB; Volume 2 Part 1 of 2 – PDF 6MB; Volume 2 Part 2 of 2 – PDF 4.3MB
This two volume report details an inquiry into the regulation of videotapes, an entertainment medium which was becoming increasingly popular at the time. The Committee made recommendations dealing with the method of classification of films and videos, the type of material which ought to be in those classifications, the OFLC and the public and industry perception and observance of the classification categories. A detailed dissenter’s report by five Members is included in the second volume. Dissent was particularly related to the recommendation to create a new NVE (non-violent erotica) classification category. The Government did not support the creation of an NVE category.
Report of the Senate Select Committee on Video Material [former Committee]:
Report (March 1985) – PDF 2.8MB
The Committee’s life was very short, its terms of reference being taken on by the Joint Select Committee on Video Material in March 1985. The issues in this report were advanced by the Joint Select Committee and this Report was overtaken by the report of that Committee.