reviewing decisions
If you disagree with the classification assigned to a film, you can apply to have it reviewed by the Film and Literature Board of Review.
The Classification Office publishes a monthly List of Decisions by the 10th working day of each month. This List contains a full record of decisions made in the preceding month.
Applications for review should be made to the Secretary of Internal Affairs, and must be received within 20 working days of the publication of the List of Decisions in which the decision appears.
Your submission should include:
- A copy of the publication you want to have reviewed
- A submission form and the appropriate fee (available from Internal Affairs)
The Board of Review will review the publication rather than the original decision, and make an entirely new decision based on its own examination of the publication.
When reviewing a publication, the Board will apply the same criteria that the Classification Office uses when making a decision. Remember, the Board is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs - it is completely separate and independent from the Classification Office.
Getting a publication reconsidered
You can apply to have a publication reconsidered by the Classification Office under section 42 of the Act if:
- The publication was classified three or more years ago; or
- It has been substantially altered since the original classification decision; or
- You can satisfy the Chief Censor that there are special circumstances that justify reconsideration of the decision.
In most cases, you will need the permission of the Chief Censor to make an application.
Your application should include:
- A copy of the publication to be reconsidered
- Any advertising material associated with the publication
- An application form (PDF v6.0, 167kb) and the correct fee
- A covering letter (optional) outlining:
- Why you want the publication reconsidered
- How the film has been altered if applicable
- Any special circumstances justifying reconsideration
If you are not sure whether a publication has been classified, or are unsure of the classification date, you can check the Office's Register of Classification Decisions, or contact the Information Unit.