Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00129:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00129
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 8513–11602

relationship between particular images and text (for example, a caption beneath a photograph).

Age limits
In accordance with the Code, descriptions and depictions of sexual activity are permitted if they involve 'consenting adults'.  Therefore, descriptions and depictions of sexual activity involving minors under 18 generally warrant 'RC' classification as they '…deal with matters of sex.. in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults'.

Also in accordance with the Code, sexualised descriptions and depictions of nudity involving minors under 18 generally warrant 'RC' classification as they '…deal with matters of sex... in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults'.

Further, the Code states explicitly that publications which 'describe or depict in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not)' will be classified 'RC'.

Bona fide artworks
Bona fide artworks are not generally required to be submitted for classification as they are not generally considered to be 'submittable publications'.  Bona fide artworks which may offend some sections of the adult community may be classified in the 'Unrestricted' category when set in an historical or cultural context.

Levels of Restriction

State and Territory laws require that 'submittable publications' (those likely to warrant restriction to adults) must be submitted to the Board for classification before they can legally be sold, distributed or advertised.

Publications considered to be unsuitable for minors and likely to offend some sections of the adult community are classified in the Restricted categories.

However, when making its assessment, the Board may determine that a publication does not warrant restriction to adults.  Such publications are classified 'Unrestricted'. Some publications classified 'Unrestricted' may not be recommended for readers under 15 years of age.

Labelling and Consumer advice

In accordance with State and Territory enforcement legislation, all publications that are classified must be appropriately labelled with an official label showing the classification category and relevant consumer advice.

The following labels indicate the classification categories:

UNRESTRICTED
CATEGORY 1 - RESTRICTED
CATEGORY 2 - RESTRICTED

Consumer advice is generally not provided for publications.

However, material classified 'Unrestricted' that is not recommended for readers under fifteen years of age will be labelled with an 'Unrestricted' label and consumer advice that reads
'M -Not Recommended for Readers Under 15 Years'.

Public Display

The National Classification Code states that minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them, and that everyone should be protected from exposure to unsolicited material that they find offensive.

Particular attention is