Classification of Films Act 1991

An Act relating to classification of films, and for related purposes

1Short title

This Act may be cited as the Classification of Films Act 1991 .

2Object of Act

(1)The object of this Act is to give effect to the scheme for the classification of publications, films and computer games mentioned in the Commonwealth Act, section 3, but only to the extent that the scheme relates to films.

(2)The object is to be achieved by—

(a)providing for the enforcement of classification decisions for films made under the Commonwealth Act; and

(b)prohibiting the publication of certain films.

s 2 sub 1996 No. 56 s 67

2AExempt film excluded from Act

This Act does not apply to a film that is an exempt film.

s 2A ins 2013 No. 3 s 27

3Definitions

In this Act—

advertisement, for a film, means any form of advertising for the film and includes—

(a)advertising, whether visual or audible, whether in the form of written or spoken words or other sounds and whether in a book, paper, magazine, poster, photograph, sketch, program, film or slide or in any other form; and

(b)advertising on a container or wrapping enclosing the film; and

(c)advertising on the internet;

but does not include—

(d)advertising for an exempt film; or

(e)advertising, in an imported publication, for a film that has not been published in Australia; or

(f)

advertising, in an imported film or computer game that is in a form that can not be modified, for a film that has not been published in Australia (advertised film), whether or not the advertised film is later published in Australia; or

(g)advertising by way of a product that—

(i)refers to, or is derived from, the film; and

(ii)is primarily intended to be sold or distributed to the general public or to a section of the general public; and

(iii)a reasonable person would not consider to be a primary source of classification information for consumers about the film.

def advertisement amd 1996 No. 56 s 68 (3)

sub 2002 No. 13 s 26 (1)–(2)

amd 2008 No. 51 s 16 (2)–(3)

appeal censor ...

def appeal censor om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

approved, for an advertisement, means approved under the Commonwealth Act.

def approved sub 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)–(2)

approved form means a form approved by the chief executive under section 66.

def approved form ins 1993 No. 15 s 3

approved organisation ...

def approved organisation amd 2008 No. 59 s 19

om 2013 No. 3 s 28 (1)

arrangement includes scheme, agreement, understanding, promise or undertaking (whether express or implied).

def arrangement ins 1993 No. 15 s 3

board means the Classification Board established under the Commonwealth Act.

def board ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

censor ...

def censor om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

chief censor ...

def chief censor om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

chief executive means the chief executive of the department.

def chief executive ins 1993 No. 15 s 3

child abuse film means a film that is an objectionable film because it depicts a person who is, or who looks like, a child under 16 years (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not) in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult person.

def child abuse film amd 1993 No. 15 s 3 sch; 1997 No. 82 s 16

classification certificate ...

def classification certificate ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

om 2010 No. 42 s 214 sch

classifications notice means a notice, in the form approved by the director and published in the Commonwealth gazette, about the classifications for films.

def classifications notice ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

classified means classified or reclassified under the Commonwealth Act.

def classified ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

Commonwealth Act means the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cwlth).

def Commonwealth Act ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

Commonwealth gazette means the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.

computer game see Classification of Computer Games and Images Act 1995 , schedule 2.

def computer game ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

computer program ...

def computer program ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

om 2013 No. 3 s 28 (1)

consumer advice, for a film, means the consumer advice about the film decided by the board under the Commonwealth Act.

def consumer advice ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

convenor means the convenor of the review board.

def convenor ins 2008 No. 51 s 16 (1)

determined manner and form ...

def determined manner and form om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

determined markings, for a film, means the markings for the film determined under the Commonwealth Act.

def determined markings sub 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)–(2)

director means the director of the board.

def director ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

exempt film see section 5 of the Commonwealth Act.

def exempt film ins 2002 No. 13 s 26 (2)

exhibit, a film, means project or screen the film.

def exhibit ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

exhibition ...

def exhibition om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

exhibitor means a person who exhibits a film in a theatre.

film see the Commonwealth Act, section 5.

def film amd 1996 No. 56 s 68 (4); 2002 No. 13 s 26 (3)–(4)

sub 2013 No. 3 s 28

international flight, of an aircraft, means a flight that passes through the air space over the territory of more than 1 country and includes any part of the flight that happens within Australia.

def international flight ins 2002 No. 13 s 26 (2)

international voyage, of a vessel, means a voyage, whether direct or indirect, between a place in Australia and a place outside Australia and includes any part of the voyage that happens within Australia.

def international voyage ins 2002 No. 13 s 26 (2)

objectionable film means—

(a)a film classified X 18+ or RC; or

(b)a film that—

(i)is not classified, or has become unclassified under the Commonwealth Act; and

(ii)if it were classified, would be classified X 18+ or RC.

def objectionable film amd 1993 No. 15 s 3 sch

sub 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)–(2)

amd 2005 No. 24 s 14

occupier, in relation to a place, includes a person in charge of the place.

Ordinance ...

def Ordinance om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

place includes—

(a)vacant land or premises; and

(b)a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, other than a vessel on an international voyage or an aircraft on an international flight.

def place amd 2002 No. 13 s 26 (5)

possession, in relation to a film, includes—

(a)custody or control of the film; and

(b)an ability or right to obtain custody or control of the film.

premises includes—

(a)a building or structure, or a part of a building or structure, of any kind; and

(b)the land on which a building or structure is situated; and

(c)a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, other than a vessel on an international voyage or an aircraft on an international flight.

def premises amd 2002 No. 13 s 26 (6)

public place means any place that—

(a)the public is entitled to use; or

(b)is open to, or used by, the public (whether or not on payment of money).

publish includes demonstrate, display, distribute, exhibit, let on hire, offer for sale, and sell.

def publish ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

reclassified means reclassified under the Commonwealth Act.

def reclassified ins 1996 No. 56 s 68 (2)

review board see section 5 of the Commonwealth Act.

def review board ins 2002 No. 13 s 26 (2)

sell has the meaning given by section 3A.

def sell sub 1993 No. 15 s 3

amd 1995 No. 1 s 14

synopsis, in relation to a film, includes a statement or summary of any incidents, or of the plot or play or story, depicted or intended to be depicted by means of the film.

theatre means a building, room, public hall, house, garden or other place—

(a)where a film is about to be, is being or has been exhibited; and

(b)to which admission is, or may be, gained by ticket or by payment of money or any other consideration.

unapproved ...

def unapproved om 1996 No. 56 s 68 (1)

3AMeaning of sell

In this Act—

sell, in relation to a film, means—

(a)sell, whether by wholesale or retail; or

(b)let on hire; or

(c)under or in connection with a commercial arrangement—

(i)exchange or distribute; or

(ii)enable or assist an exchange or distribution, even if the exchange or distribution is not, by itself, a commercial arrangement; or

(d)offer or agree to do an act mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c); or

(e)invite to treat or expose for an act mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c); or

(f)cause or permit to be done an act mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e).

Example of paragraph (c)(ii)—

Paragraph (c)(ii) applies if a person, for profit, establishes or maintains, or participates in the establishment or maintenance, of a club, association or business for the exchange of films by other persons (whether or not the exchange is for profit by them), for example by providing—

(a)services assisting the exchange in return for payment of club membership or other fees; or

(b)entrance, on payment of a fee, to premises where exchanges may take place.

s 3A ins 1993 No. 15 s 4

amd 1995 No. 1 s 12

3BTreatment of single device consisting only of classified films

(1)For this Act, a film—

(a)contained on a single device; and

(b)consisting only of 2 or more classified films;

is to be treated as if each of the classified films were on a separate device.

(2) Subsection (1) applies despite any other provision of this Act.

s 3B ins 2008 No. 51 s 17

4Inspectors and films classification officer

(1)For the purposes of this Act, the chief executive may appoint any of the following persons to be an inspector—

(a)a public service officer;

(b)a police officer.

Note—

A proposed appointment of a police officer must have the approval of the commissioner of the police service under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 , section 13.

(2)The chief executive may appoint a person mentioned in subsection (1) (a) to be an inspector only if the chief executive believes the person has the necessary expertise or experience to be an inspector.

(3)The chief executive may issue an identity card to an inspector who is not a police officer.

(4)The identity card must—

(a)contain a recent photograph of the inspector; and

(b)be in the approved form.

(5)A person who ceases to be an inspector must, as soon as practicable, return his or her identity card to the chief executive.

Maximum penalty for contravention of this subsection—5 penalty units.

(6)There is to be a films classification officer.

(7)The films classification officer is to be an officer of the department.

s 4 amd 1993 No. 15 s 3 sch; 2000 No. 5 s 373 sch 3; 2009 No. 48 s 204

4ADelegation by films classification officer

The films classification officer may delegate the officer’s powers to another officer of the department approved in writing by the chief executive.

s 4A ins 1993 No. 15 s 5

20Display of classifications notice

A person who exhibits a film in a public place must keep a classifications notice displayed prominently in the public place so it is clearly visible to the public.

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

s 20 sub 1996 No. 56 s 70

21Prohibition against exhibition of certain films in public places

(1)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, an unclassified film in a public place.

Maximum penalty—

(a)in the case of a film that, if it were classified, would be classified as a G, PG or M film—5 penalty units; or

(b)in the case of a film that, if it were classified, would be classified as an MA 15+ film—20 penalty units; or

(c)in the case of a film that, if it were classified, would be classified as an R 18+ film—50 penalty units; or

(d)in the case of an objectionable film—300 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.

(2)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, a film in a public place unless the film is exhibited with the same title as the title under which it is classified.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply to a film contained on a single device consisting only of 2 or more classified films.

(3)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, a film in a public place unless the film is exhibited in the form, without alteration or addition, in which it is classified.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to an alteration or addition that consists of the removal or addition of—

(a)navigation functions; or

Example—

an interactive menu

(b)material that—

(i)provides a description or translation of the audio or visual content of the film; and

(ii)would not be likely to cause the film to be given a higher classification.

Example of material for paragraph (b)—

captions for persons with a hearing disability

s 21 amd 1993 No. 15 s 7; 1996 No. 56 s 71 ; 2005 No. 24 s 15; 2008 No. 51 s 18

21AClassified films—exhibiting advertisements for other films

A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, a classified film that contains an advertisement relating to—

(a)if the film is classified as a G film—a film classified as a PG, M, MA 15+, R 18+, X 18+ or RC film or an unclassified film; or

(b)if the film is classified as a PG film—a film classified as an M, MA 15+, R 18+, X 18 + or RC film or an unclassified film; or

(c)if the film is classified as an M film—a film classified as an MA 15+, R 18+, X 18+ or RC film or an unclassified film; or

(d)if the film is classified as an MA 15+ film—a film classified as an R 18+, X 18+ or RC film or an unclassified film; or

(e)if the film is classified as an R 18+ film—a film classified as an X 18+ or RC film or an unclassified film; or

(f)an unclassified film, unless the advertisement is allowed under the Commonwealth Act.

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

Note for paragraph (f)—

The Commonwealth Act, section 31 provides for the Commonwealth Minister, by legislative instrument, to determine a scheme for the advertising of unclassified films.

s 21A ins 1995 No. 50 s 3 sch

amd 1996 No. 56 s 72; 2005 No. 24 s 16; 2008 No. 51 s 19

22Attendance of certain minors at exhibition of certain films—offence by exhibitor

(1)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, in a public place a film classified as an MA 15+ film if a minor who has reached 2 years but not 15 years and who is not accompanied by an adult is, or will be, present at any time during the exhibition of the film.

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

(2)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, in a public place a film classified as an R 18+ film if a minor who has reached 2 years is, or will be, present at any time during the exhibition of the film.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(3)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if the person or the person’s employee or agent believes on reasonable grounds that the minor concerned—

(a)has reached 15 years or has not reached 2 years; or

(b)is, or will be, accompanied by an adult during the exhibition of the film.

(4)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (2) if the person or the person’s employee or agent believes on reasonable grounds that the minor concerned has reached 18 years or has not reached 2 years.

s 22 sub 1993 No. 15 s 8

amd 2005 No. 24 s 17; 2013 No. 3 s 29

23Attendance of minor at exhibition of certain films—offence by other persons

(1)A person who has reached 18 years must not—

(a)cause or permit, or attempt to cause or permit, a minor who—

(i)has reached 2 years; and

(ii)is in his or her care, custody and control;

to attend; or

(b)accompany and assist, or attempt to accompany and assist, a minor who has reached 2 years to attend;

the exhibition in a public place of a film classified as an R 18+ film or an objectionable film.

Maximum penalty—

(a)in the case of a film classified as an R 18+ film—10 penalty units; or

(b)in the case of an objectionable film—100 penalty units.

(2)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if the person believes on reasonable grounds that the minor concerned has reached 18 years or has not reached 2 years.

s 23 amd 1993 No. 15 s 3 sch; 2005 No. 24 s 18

24Minors not to be present at exhibition of certain films—offence by minor

A minor who has reached 15 years must not be present, or attempt to be present, at the exhibition, in a public place, of a film that is classified as an R 18+ film.

s 24 amd 1993 No. 15 s 3 sch; 1996 No. 56 s 73; 2005 No. 24 s 19

25Power to require particulars of name, address and age

(1)This section applies only to the exhibition of an MA 15+ or R 18+ film.

(2)If an inspector, exhibitor or an exhibitor’s employee or agent (the inquirer) has reasonable grounds for suspecting any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3) in relation to a person, the inquirer may require the person to give the particulars mentioned in subsection (4).

(3)The suspected circumstances are—

(a)that a person seeking admission, or who has been admitted, to the theatre where the film is about to be, or is being, exhibited has in the person’s care and control, or is accompanying, a minor who has reached—

(i)if the film is an MA 15+ film—2 years but not 15 years; or

(ii)if the film is an R 18+ film—2 years; or

(b)that a person who has been admitted to the theatre where the film has just been exhibited had in the person’s care and control, or accompanied, at any time during the exhibition a minor who had reached—

(i)if the film is an MA 15+ film—2 years but not 15 years; or

(ii)if the film is an R 18+ film—2 years; or

(c)that a person seeking admission, or who has been admitted, to the theatre where the film is about to be, or is being exhibited, or who has been admitted to the theatre where the film has just been exhibited, is a minor who has reached—

(i)if the film is an MA 15+ film—2 years but not 15 years; or

(ii)if the film is an R 18+ film—2 years.

(4)The required particulars are—

(a)in relation to a person mentioned in subsection (3) (a) or (b)—

(i)the person’s correct name and address; and

(ii)to the person’s best knowledge—the minor’s correct name, address and age; or

(b)in relation to a person mentioned in subsection (3) (c)—the person’s correct name, address and age.

s 25 sub 1993 No. 15 s 9

amd 2005 No. 24 s 20

25AProof of particulars may be required

(1)If an inspector, exhibitor or an exhibitor’s employee or agent (the inquirer) has reasonable grounds to believe that any of the particulars given by a person under section 25 are false, the inquirer may require the person to produce evidence of the correctness of the particulars.

(2)The inquirer may also require a person who is required to provide particulars under section 25 to complete and sign a statement of the particulars in the approved form.

s 25A sub 1993 No. 15 s 9

25BOffences relating to particulars

(1)A person must not fail, without reasonable excuse—

(a)to give particulars required under section 25; or

(b)to produce evidence of the correctness of particulars required under section 25A (1); or

(c)to complete and sign a statement required under section 25A (2).

Maximum penalty—1 penalty unit.

(2)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1), despite a failure to do an act required by the subsection, if the person—

(a)has not, at the time of the failure, attended the exhibiting of the MA 15+ or R 18+ film concerned; and

(b)leaves the theatre immediately after the failure.

(3)A person must not provide false or misleading—

(a)particulars in response to a requirement under section 25; or

(b)evidence in response to a requirement under section 25A (1); or

(c)particulars in a statement given in response to a requirement under 25A(2).

Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.

s 25B sub 1993 No. 15 s 9

amd 2005 No. 24 s 21

25CPerson may be required to leave theatre

(1)An exhibitor or an exhibitor’s employee or agent (the refuser) may refuse to admit a person to a theatre, or may require a person to leave a theatre, if the refuser believes on reasonable grounds—

(a)that the exhibitor would commit an offence if the exhibitor allowed the person to be, or to continue to be, present in the theatre; or

(b)that the person has committed an offence against section 25B.

(2)A person must not—

(a)enter, or attempt to enter, a theatre after being refused entry under subsection (1); or

(b)fail to leave a theatre after being required to leave under subsection (1).

Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.

s 25C sub 1993 No. 15 s 9

25CACalling in unclassified film for classification

(1)This section applies if the director or the films classification officer has reasonable grounds to believe that—

(a)an unclassified film is not an exempt film; and

(b)a person (publisher) is publishing, or will publish, the film in Queensland.

(2)The director or the films classification officer may, by written notice given to the publisher of the film, require the publisher to submit an application for its classification.

(3)The publisher must comply with the notice within 3 business days after receiving it.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(4)For the requirement under subsection (2) to have effect—

(a)if the director makes the requirement—the director must cause notice of the requirement to be published in the Commonwealth gazette; or

(b)if the films classification officer makes the requirement—the officer must cause notice of the requirement to be gazetted.

(5)It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (3) for the defendant to prove that the defendant did not intend to publish the film, or cause it to be published, in Queensland.

s 25CA ins 2002 No. 13 s 27

amd 2003 No. 94 s 20

25CBCalling in film for reclassification

(1)This section applies if—

(a)the board proposes to reclassify a film under the Commonwealth Act, section 39; and

(b)the publisher of the film resides in Queensland or has an office in Queensland.

(2)The director or the films classification officer may, by written notice given to the publisher, require the publisher to submit a copy of the film for the purpose of reclassifying it.

(3)The publisher must comply with the notice within 3 business days after receiving it.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(4)It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (3) for the defendant to prove that the defendant did not have a copy of the film.

s 25CB ins 2002 No. 3 s 27

amd 2003 No. 94 s 21

25CCObtaining copies for review

(1)This section applies if—

(a)an application is made for a review of a classification decision under the Commonwealth Act by a person who is not the original applicant for classification of the film concerned; and

(b)the board or review board does not have a copy of the film and a copy is not available to it; and

(c)the original applicant or the publisher of the film resides in Queensland or has an office in Queensland.

(2)The convenor or the films classification officer may, by written notice given to the original applicant or publisher, require the original applicant or publisher to make a copy of the film available for the purpose of the review.

(3)A person to whom the notice is given must comply with the notice within 3 business days after receiving it.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(4)It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (3) for the defendant to prove that the defendant did not have a copy of the film.

s 25CC ins 2002 No. 3 s 27

amd 2003 No. 94 s 22; 2008 No. 51 s 20

25DPower to require certain advertisements to be submitted for approval

(1)The director or the films classification officer may, by written notice given to the publisher of a classified film that is being published in Queensland, or that the director or the films classification officer reasonably believes will be published in Queensland, require the publisher to submit to the board for approval a copy of each advertisement used or intended to be used in connection with the publication.

(2)A person to whom a notice under this section is given must comply with the notice within 3 business days after receiving it.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

s 25D ins 1996 No. 56 s 74

amd 2003 No. 94 s 23

25EDefence to prosecution under section 25D

It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 25D, in relation to a classified film the director or the films classification officer reasonably believes will be published in Queensland, for the defendant to prove that the defendant did not intend to publish, or authorise or cause someone else to publish, the publication in Queensland.

s 25E ins 1996 No. 56 s 74

amd 2003 No. 94 s 24

26Prohibition against publishing certain advertisements

(1)A person must not publish, or attempt to publish, an advertisement for an objectionable or unclassified film, unless the advertisement is allowed under the Commonwealth Act.

Maximum penalty—

(a)for an objectionable film—60 penalty units; or

(b)for another film—10 penalty units.

Note—

The Commonwealth Act, section 31 provides for the Minister, by legislative instrument, to determine a scheme for the advertising of objectionable or unclassified films.

(2)A person must not publish an advertisement for a film if, under the Commonwealth Act—

(a)an application for approval of the advertisement—

(i)has not been made; and

(ii)if it were made, would be refused; or

(b)approval of the advertisement is refused.

Maximum penalty—60 penalty units.

(3)A person may publish an advertisement for a film only in the form in which it is approved under the Commonwealth Act.

Maximum penalty—60 penalty units.

(4)If an advertisement for a film is approved under the Commonwealth Act on conditions, a person may publish the advertisement only in accordance with the conditions.

Maximum penalty—60 penalty units.

s 26 sub 1996 No. 56 s 75

amd 2008 No. 51 s 21; 2013 No. 3 s 30

27Advertisement to contain determined markings and consumer advice           

(1)A person must not publish an advertisement for a classified film unless its determined markings and consumer advice (if any) are—

(a)contained in the advertisement; and

(b)displayed—

(i)in the way determined under the Commonwealth Act; and

Note—

See the Commonwealth Act, section 8.

(ii)so they are clearly visible, having regard to the advertisement’s size and nature.

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

(2)If a film is reclassified, display of the determined markings and consumer advice applicable to the film before reclassification is sufficient compliance with subsection (1) for the 30 day period immediately after the reclassification takes effect.

Note—

See the Commonwealth Act, section 28.

s 27 sub 1996 No. 56 s 75

amd 2008 No. 51 s 22; 2009 No. 48 s 205

28False advertising of films prohibited

(1)A person must not publish, or attempt to publish, an advertisement for a classified film that indicates—

(a)that the film is unclassified; or

(b)that the film has a classification other than its classification under the Commonwealth Act.

Maximum penalty—60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

(1A)If a film is reclassified, display of the determined markings and consumer advice applicable to the film before reclassification is sufficient compliance with subsection (1) for the 30 day period immediately after the reclassification takes effect.

Note—

See the Commonwealth Act, section 28.

s 28 amd 1996 No. 56 s 76; 2008 No. 51 s 23; 2009 No. 48 s 206; 2013 No. 3 s 31

29Markings and consumer advice on containers

A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, a film unless the container, wrapping or casing in which the film is so displayed or sold bears the determined markings for its classification and its consumer advice (if any).

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

s 29 amd 1996 No. 56 s 77

30Display of information about classification

(1)A person who sells, or attempts to sell, a classified film on premises open to the public must keep a classifications notice displayed in accordance with subsection (2).

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

(2)The notice must be displayed in a conspicuous place and in a way that it can be conveniently read by any person on the premises.

s 30 amd 1993 No. 15 s 10; 1996 No. 56 s 78

31Classified films containing advertisements for other films

A person must not sell or display for sale, or attempt to sell or display for sale, a classified film that contains an advertisement relating to—

(a)if the film is classified as a G film—a film classified as a PG, M, MA 15+, R 18+, X 18+ or RC film; or

(b)if the film is classified as a PG film—a film classified as an M, MA 15+, R 18+, X 18+ or RC film; or

(c)if the film is classified as an M film—a film classified as an MA 15+, R 18+, X 18+ or RC film; or

(d)if the film is classified as an MA 15+ film—a film classified as an R 18+, X 18+ or RC film; or

(e)if a film is classified as an R 18+ film—a film classified as an X 18+ or RC film; or

(f)an unclassified film, unless the advertisement is allowed under the Commonwealth Act.

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

Note for paragraph (f)—

The Commonwealth Act, section 31 provides for the Commonwealth Minister, by legislative instrument, to determine a scheme for the advertising of unclassified films.

s 31 sub 1993 No. 15 s 11

amd 1996 No. 56 s 79; 2005 No. 24 s 22; 2008 No. 51 s 24

32Display for sale of MA 15+ or R 18+ film

A person who displays, or attempts to display, for sale—

(a)a film classified as an MA 15+ or R 18+ film; or

(b)an advertisement for a film classified as an MA 15+ or R 18+ film;

must comply with the conditions that may be prescribed by regulation for the purposes of this section.

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

s 32 sub 1993 No. 15 s 11

amd 2005 No. 24 s 23

33Sale of MA 15+ or R 18+ film to certain minors prohibited

(1)A person must not sell or deliver, or attempt to sell or deliver, a film classified as an MA 15+ film to a minor who has not reached 15 years unless the minor is accompanied by an adult.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(2)A person must not sell or deliver, or attempt to sell or deliver, a film classified as an R 18+ film to a minor.

Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.

(3)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if the person or the person’s employee or agent believes on reasonable grounds that the minor concerned has reached 15 years or is accompanied by an adult.

(4)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (2) if the person or the person’s employee or agent believes on reasonable grounds that the minor concerned has reached 18 years.

(5)A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) or (2) if—

(a)the minor concerned is employed by a person in a business of selling films; and

(b)the delivery takes place in the course of the employment.

s 33 sub 1993 No. 15 s 11

amd 2005 No. 24 s 24; 2013 No. 3 s 32

34Display and sale of objectionable and unclassified films prohibited

A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, an objectionable or unclassified film.

Maximum penalty—

(a)for a film that, if it were classified, would be classified as a G, PG or M film—10 penalty units; or

(b)for a film that, if it were classified, would be classified as an MA 15+ film—50 penalty units; or

(c)for a film that, if it were classified, would be classified as an R 18+ film—100 penalty units; or

(d)for an X 18+ film or an unclassified film that, if classified, would be an X 18+ film—150 penalty units; or

(e)for an RC film or an unclassified film that, if classified, would be an RC film—200 penalty units.

s 34 amd 1993 No. 15 s 12; 1993 No. 76 s 3 sch 2; 1996 No. 56 s 80 ; 2005 No. 24 s 25; 2013 No. 3 s 33

35Display and sale of improperly marked unclassified films prohibited

A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, an unclassified film if the container, wrapping or casing in which the film is displayed or sold bears a marking or other matter that indicates or suggests that the film has been classified.

Maximum penalty—60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

36Display and sale of improperly marked classified films

A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, to a person a classified film if the container, wrapping or casing in which the film is contained bears a mark or other matter indicating that the film is not classified or that the film has a classification other than its classification under the Commonwealth Act.

Maximum penalty—60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

s 36 amd 1996 No. 56 s 81

36AProhibition against sale of certain films

(1)A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, a film unless the film is displayed for sale or sold with the same title as the title under which it is classified.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a film contained on a single device consisting only of 2 or more classified films.

(3)A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, an unclassified film other than in the form, without alteration or addition, in which it is classified.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to an alteration or addition that consists of the removal or addition of—

(a)navigation functions; or

Example—

an interactive menu

(b)material that—

(i)provides a description or translation of the audio or visual content of the film; and

(ii)would not be likely to cause the film to be given a higher classification.

Example of material for paragraph (b)—

captions for persons with a hearing disability

s 36A ins 2008 No. 51 s 25

37Public exhibition of objectionable film

A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, an objectionable film in such a way that it can be seen by persons in a public place.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

38Exhibition of an R 18+ or objectionable film before a minor

(1)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, a film classified as an R 18+ film in a place that is not a public place in the presence of a minor unless the person is a parent or guardian of the minor or has the consent of a parent or guardian of the minor.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(2)A person must not exhibit, or attempt to exhibit, an objectionable film in a place that is not a public place in the presence of a minor.

Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.

s 38 amd 2005 No. 24 s 26; 2013 No. 3 s 34

39Display and sale of objectionable film prohibited

A person must not display for sale or sell, or attempt to display for sale or sell, an objectionable film.

Maximum penalty—

(a)in the case of a film that is or would, if classified, be classified as an X 18+ film under the Commonwealth Act—60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months; or

(b)in any other case—250 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

s 39 amd 1996 No. 56 s 82; 2005 No. 24 s 27

40Keeping together of classified and objectionable films prohibited

A person must not, on any premises on or from which classified films are sold or displayed for the purposes of sale, keep or have possession of an objectionable film.

Maximum penalty—

(a)in the case of a film that is or would, if classified, be classified as an X 18+ film under the Commonwealth Act—60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months; or

(b)in any other case—250 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

s 40 amd 1996 No. 56 s 83; 2005 No. 24 s 28

41Possession of objectionable film

(1)A person must not have possession of an objectionable film for the purpose of sale.

Maximum penalty—

(a)in the case of a film that is or would, if classified, be classified as an X 18+ film under the Commonwealth Act—60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months; or

(b)in any other case—250 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(2)A person must not have possession of an objectionable film for the purpose of exhibition in a public place.

Maximum penalty—250 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(3)A person must not knowingly have possession of a child abuse film.

Maximum penalty—150 penalty units or 12 months imprisonment.

s 41 amd 1993 No. 15 s 13; 1995 No. 50 s 3 sch; 1996 No. 56 s 84; 2005 No. 24 s 29

42Making objectionable film

(1)A person must not, for the purpose of gain, make or produce, or attempt to make or produce, an objectionable film.

Maximum penalty—250 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(2)A person must not, for the purpose of gain, copy, or attempt to copy, an objectionable film.

Maximum penalty—250 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(3)A person must not make, or attempt to make, a child abuse film.

Maximum penalty—1000 penalty units or imprisonment for 5 years.

(4)A person must not copy, or attempt to copy, a child abuse film.

Maximum penalty—800 penalty units or imprisonment for 3 years.

43Procurement of minor for objectionable film

A person must not procure, or attempt to procure, a minor to be in any way concerned in the making or production of an objectionable film.

Maximum penalty—800 penalty units or imprisonment for 3 years.

44No liability in certain circumstances

(2)A person is not guilty of an offence against section 41 or 42 (1) in relation to an objectionable film of a kind mentioned in subsection (3) if—

(a)the person took all reasonable steps to obtain classification of the film, having regard to the stage of making or production of the film or the time that has elapsed since making or production of the film; and

(b)the person believes on reasonable grounds that the film will be classified other than X 18+ or RC.

(3)For subsection (2), the kinds of objectionable film are—

(a)a film that would be classified RC because it depicts, expresses or otherwise deals with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in a way that it offends against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that it should not be classified; and

(b)a film that would be classified X 18+ because it—

(i)explicitly depicts sexual activity between adults, where there is no sexual violence, coercion or nonconsent of any kind, in a way that it is likely to offend a reasonable adult; and

(ii)is unsuitable for a minor to view.

s 44 amd 1996 No. 56 s 85; 2005 No. 24 s 30

45Inspector to produce identity card

An inspector who is not a police officer is not entitled to exercise powers under this part in relation to another person unless the inspector first produces the inspector’s identity card for inspection by the person.

46Entry and search—monitoring compliance

(1)Subject to subsection (2), an inspector may, for the purpose of finding out whether the requirements of this Act are being complied with—

(a)enter or board any place; and

(b)exercise the powers set out in section 48.

(2)An inspector must not enter or board a place, or exercise a power under subsection (1), unless—

(a)the occupier of the place (if any) consents to the entry or boarding or exercise of the power; or

(b)a warrant under section 49 authorises the entry or exercise of the power; or

(c)the place is premises, or that part of premises, to which the public are admitted (whether or not for consideration) and the entry is made when members of the public attend or the premises are open for admission by the public.

(3)An inspector who is permitted by this section to enter or board a vehicle, vessel or aircraft may, for the purpose of effecting the entry or boarding and for the purpose of exercising any powers that the inspector is permitted to exercise, stop and detain the vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

47Entry and search—evidence of offences

(1)Subject to subsection (3), if an inspector has reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is in or on a place a particular thing (the evidence) that may afford evidence of the commission of an offence against this Act, the inspector may—

(a)enter or board the place; and

(b)exercise the powers set out in section 48.

(2)If an inspector enters or boards the place and finds the evidence, the following provisions have effect—

(a)the inspector may seize the evidence;

(b)subject to section 63, the inspector may keep the evidence for 1 year or, if a prosecution for an offence against this Act in the commission of which the evidence may have been used or otherwise involved is instituted within that period, until the completion of the proceedings for the offence and of any appeal from the decision in relation to the proceedings;

(c)if the evidence is a document—while the inspector has possession of the document, the inspector may take extracts from and make copies of the document but must allow the document to be inspected at any reasonable time by a person who would be entitled to inspect it if it were not in the inspector’s possession.

(3)An inspector must not enter or board the place or exercise a power under subsection (1) unless—

(a)the occupier (if any) of the place consents to the entry or boarding or exercise of the power; or

(b)a warrant under section 50 that was issued in relation to the evidence authorises the entry or boarding or exercise of the power.

(4)If in the course of searching the place under subsection (1) under a warrant under section 50, an inspector—

(a)finds a thing that the inspector believes, on reasonable grounds to be—

(i)a thing (other than the evidence) that will afford evidence of the commission of the offence mentioned in subsection (1); or

(ii)a thing that will afford evidence of the commission of another offence against this Act; and

(b)the inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, that it is necessary to seize the thing to prevent—

(i)its concealment, loss or destruction; or

(ii)its use in committing, continuing or repeating the offence mentioned in subsection (1), or the other offence, as the case may be;

subsection (2) applies to the thing as if it were the evidence.

s 47 amd 1996 No. 56 s 86

48General powers of inspector in relation to places

(1)The powers an inspector may exercise under section 46 (1) (b) or 47 (1) (b) in relation to a place are as follows—

(a)to search any part of the place;

(b)to inspect or examine anything in or on the place;

(c)to take extracts from, and make copies of, any documents in or on the place;

(d)to take into or onto the place such equipment and materials as the inspector requires for the purpose of exercising any powers in relation to the place;

(e)to require the occupier or any person in or on the place to give to the inspector reasonable assistance in relation to the exercise of the inspector’s powers mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d).

(2)A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement made under subsection (1) (e).

Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.

(3)It is a reasonable excuse for a person to fail to answer a question or produce a document if answering the question, or producing the document, might tend to incriminate the person.

49Monitoring warrants

(1)An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under this section in relation to a particular place (other than a dwelling or that part of premises used as a dwelling).

(2)Subject to subsection (3), the magistrate may issue the warrant if the magistrate is satisfied, by information on oath, that it is reasonably necessary that the inspector should have access to the place for the purpose of finding out whether the requirements of this Act are being complied with.

(3)If the magistrate requires further information concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought, the magistrate must not issue the warrant unless the inspector or some other person has given the information to the magistrate in the form (either orally or by affidavit) that the magistrate requires.

(4)The warrant must—

(a)authorise the inspector, with such assistance and by such force as is necessary and reasonable—

(i)to enter the place; and

(ii)to exercise the powers set out in section 48; and

(b)state whether the entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night; and

(c)specify the day (not more than 6 months after the issue of the warrant) on which the warrant ceases to have effect; and

(d)state the purpose for which the warrant is issued.

50Offence-related warrants

(1)An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under this section in relation to a particular place.

(2)Subject to subsection (3), the magistrate may issue the warrant if the magistrate is satisfied, by information on oath, that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, or there may be within the next 72 hours, in or on the place a particular thing (the evidence) that may afford evidence of the commission of an offence against this Act.

(3)If the magistrate requires further information concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought, the magistrate must not issue the warrant unless the inspector or some other person has given the information to the magistrate in the form (either orally or by affidavit) that the magistrate requires.

(4)The warrant must—

(a)authorise the inspector, with such assistance and by such force as is necessary and reasonable—

(i)to enter the place; and

(ii)to exercise the powers set out in section 48; and

(iii)to seize the evidence; and

(b)state whether the entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night; and

(c)specify the day (not more than 7 days after the issue of the warrant) on which the warrant ceases to have effect; and

(d)state the purposes for which the warrant is issued.

51Offence-related warrant may be granted by telephone

(1)If, because of circumstances of urgency, an inspector considers it necessary to do so, the inspector may, under this section, apply by telephone for a warrant under section 50.

(2)Before applying for the warrant, the inspector must prepare an information of the kind mentioned in section 50 (2) that sets out the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is sought.

(3)If it is necessary to do so, an inspector may apply for the warrant before the information has been sworn.

(4)If the magistrate is satisfied—

(a)after having considered the terms of the information; and

(b)after having received such further information (if any) as the magistrate requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought;

that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may, under section 50, complete and sign such warrant as the magistrate would issue under that section if the application had been made under that section.

(5)If the magistrate completes and signs the warrant—

(a)the magistrate must—

(i)tell the inspector what the terms of the warrant are; and

(ii)tell the inspector the day on which and the time at which the warrant was signed; and

(iii)record on the warrant the reasons for granting the warrant; and

(b)the inspector must—

(i)complete a form of warrant in the same terms as the warrant completed and signed by the magistrate; and

(ii)write on the form of warrant the name of the magistrate and the day on which and the time at which the magistrate signed the warrant.

(6)The inspector must also, not later than the day after the day of expiry or execution of the warrant (whichever is the earlier), send to the magistrate—

(a)the form of warrant completed by the inspector; and

(b)the information mentioned in subsection (2), which must have been duly sworn.

(7)When the magistrate receives the documents mentioned in subsection (6), the magistrate must—

(a)attach them to the warrant that the magistrate completed and signed; and

(b)deal with them in the way in which the magistrate would have dealt with the information if the application for the warrant had been made under section 50.

(8)A form of warrant duly completed by the inspector under subsection (5) is authority for any entry, search, seizure or other exercise of a power that the warrant signed by the magistrate authorises.

(9)If—

(a)it is material, in a proceeding, for a court to be satisfied that an entry, search, seizure or other exercise of power was authorised by this section; and

(b)the warrant completed and signed by the magistrate authorising the exercise of power is not produced in evidence;

the court must assume, unless the contrary is proved, that the exercise of power was not authorised by such a warrant.

52Additional power of inspector to seize films

(1)If—

(a)a complaint is made to the films classification officer about a film; and

(b)the films classification officer reasonably believes that the film is an objectionable film;

the films classification officer may direct an inspector to seize the film from any place that the inspector may lawfully enter or board.

(2)The inspector may seize the film from any such place.

(3)An inspector who seizes a film under subsection (2) must, as soon as practicable, submit the film to the films classification officer for classification.

(4)If a film seized under subsection (2) is classified and it is not an objectionable film, the inspector must immediately return the film.

s 52 ins 2008 No. 51 s 26

53Inspector may require name and address

(1)An inspector who—

(a)finds a person committing, or finds a person that the inspector reasonably suspects of having committed, an offence against this Act; or

(b)is making inquiries or investigations with a view to establishing whether or not an offence against this Act has been committed by a person; or

(c)reasonably believes that the name and address of a person is required for the purpose of—

(i)giving effect to a provision of this Act; or

(ii)enabling the inspector to carry out the inspector’s functions under this Act;

may require the person to state the person’s name and address and, if the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that the name or address given is false, may require evidence of its correctness.

(2)A person who is required under subsection (1) to state the person’s name or address must not—

(a)fail to comply with the requirement; or

(b)state a false name or address.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

(3)A person who is required under subsection (1) to give evidence of the correctness of a name or address must not fail to give the evidence or give false evidence.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

54Obstruction etc. of inspectors

A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct, hinder or resist an inspector in the exercise of a power under this Act.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

55False or misleading statements

A person must not—

(a)make a statement to an inspector that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular; or

(b)omit from a statement made to an inspector any matter or thing without which the statement is, to the knowledge of the person, misleading in a material particular; or

(c)give to an inspector a document containing information that the person knows is false, misleading or incomplete in a material particular without—

(i)indicating to the inspector that the document is false, misleading or incomplete and the respect in which the document is false, misleading or incomplete; and

(ii)providing correct information to the inspector if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct information.

Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.

pt hdg sub 2013 No. 3 s 35

div hdg ins 2013 No. 3 s 36

56Application for exemption

(1)An entity may apply to the director for an exemption from this Act, or a provision of this Act, in relation to a particular film that the entity intends to exhibit.

(2)The application must—

(a)state the film and when the entity intends to exhibit the film; and

(b)be accompanied by a synopsis of the story or events depicted in the film; and

(c)be lodged with the director in writing.

s 56 amd 2008 No. 59 s 20; 2009 No. 48 s 207

sub 2013 No. 3 s 36

57Exemption

(1)On receipt of an application under section 56, the director may grant a written exemption from this Act or a stated provision of this Act.

(2)In deciding the application, the director must give effect to any directions or guidelines issued by the Minister about exemptions under this section.

(3)The director may impose conditions on the exemption.

(4)If an exemption is granted and the conditions (if any) are complied with—

(a)this Act or the provisions of this Act specified in the exemption do not apply in relation to the exhibition of the film by the entity; and

(b)the exhibition of the film is not an indecent or obscene publication for the purposes of the Criminal Code.

s 57 amd 2008 No. 59 s 21

sub 2013 No. 3 s 36

div hdg ins 2013 No. 3 s 36

59AExemption of entity and film for medical etc. purposes

(1)On receipt of a written application, the films classification officer may, in writing, exempt an entity from this Act, or specified provisions of this Act, for specified films.

(2)An exemption may only be given for films that are—

(a)of a medical, educational or scientific character; or

(b)intended to be used by the entity for a medical, educational or scientific purpose.

(3)The exemption may be given on conditions.

(4)If the conditions are complied with, subsection (5) has effect for the entity and the film.

(5)This Act or the provisions of this Act stated in the exemption do not apply and the film is not indecent or obscene material for the purposes of the Criminal Code.

s 59A ins 2013 No. 3 s 37

59BReview by QCAT

(1)This section applies if the films classification officer makes a decision refusing to give an exemption under section 59A.

(2)The films classification officer must give the entity a QCAT information notice for the decision.

(3)The entity may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act, to QCAT for a review of the decision.

(4)In this section—

QCAT information notice means a notice complying with the QCAT Act, section 157 (2).

s 59B ins 2013 No. 3 s 37

60Evidentiary provisions

(1)In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, a certificate signed or purporting to be signed by the relevant entity stating that—

(a)a specified film has been classified (and specifying the classification); or

(b)a film has not been classified; or

(c)a film would, if classified, be classified as a stated classification and, for a film that would, if classified, be classified RC, specifying the grounds for classifying it RC; or

(d)an advertisement in relation to a film has been approved or has been refused approval;

is on its production in the proceeding evidence of the matters stated in the certificate.

(2)In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, it is not necessary to prove the complainant’s authority to start the proceeding.

(3)In a proceeding, a document purporting to be, or to contain, a delegation signed by the films classification officer for the purpose of section 4A is evidence of—

(a)the delegation; and

(b)the chief executive’s approval of the person to whom the delegation is made.

(4)In this section—

relevant entity means—

(a)for a classification by the board—the director; or

(b)for a classification by the review board—the convenor.

s 60 amd 1993 No. 15 s 14; 1996 No. 56 s 87; 2005 No. 24 s 31; 2008 No. 51 s 28

61Indictable offences and summary offences

(1)An offence—

(a)against section 43 (Procurement of minor for objectionable film); or

(b)against another provision of this Act involving a child abuse film;

is punishable on indictment.

(2)Any other offence against this Act is punishable summarily.

(3)An indictable offence against this Act may, at the election of the defendant, be heard and determined summarily.

(4)A complaint under the Justices Act 1886 for a summary offence against this Act may be made only by—

(a)the films classification officer; or

(b)a person authorised in writing by the Minister.

62Forfeiture

(1)If a person is convicted of an offence against this Act that relates to an objectionable film, the court by or before which the person is convicted may, in addition to imposing any penalty, order that the film or anything used in connection with the commission of the offence be forfeited.

(2)A film or thing that is forfeited under subsection (1) may be destroyed or otherwise dealt with as directed by the Minister.

63Return of seized films

(1)An inspector who seizes a film must, unless otherwise ordered by a court, return the film to the person who is entitled to possession of it if—

(a)it is not required as evidence in a proceeding for an offence against this or any other Act; and

(b)all proceedings (if any) instituted for an offence in relation to the film are finally determined (whether or not on appeal) and no person has been convicted of an offence against this or any other Act in relation to the film.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a child abuse film.

64Certain classified films not indecent or obscene

(1)A classified film is not an indecent or obscene publication for the purposes of the Criminal Code.

(2)This section does not apply to a film classified X 18+ or RC.

s 64 amd 1996 No. 56 s 88 ; 2005 No. 4 s 30 sch 1; 2005 No. 24 s 32

65Regulation-making power

(1)The Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.

(2)A regulation may make provision with respect to—

(a)the appointment of a registrar for the purposes of this Act; and

(b)the registration and the cancellation of the registration of exhibitors and persons who sell films; and

(c)the fees to be paid for the purposes of this Act.

(3)A regulation may prescribe penalties of fines of not more than 20 penalty units for offences against a regulation.

(4)A regulation may prohibit the exhibition, or sale of films by persons who are not registered under the regulations.

s 65 amd 1993 No. 15 s 15, s 3 sch; 2008 No. 51 s 29

66Chief executive may approve forms

(1)The chief executive may approve a form for use under this Act.

(2)A person may request the chief executive to give the person a document setting out a form approved under subsection (1).

(3)The chief executive must promptly comply with a request under subsection (2).

s 66 prev s 66 om 1992 No. 36 s 2 sch 2

pres s 66 ins 1993 No. 15 s 16

66AProtection of officials from liability

(1)An official is not criminally liable for an act done honestly and without negligence in the performance of the official’s functions under this Act.

(2)In this section—

official means any of the following persons—

(a)films classification officer;

(b)convenor;

(c)director;

(d)a person appointed as an inspector under section 4 (1);

(e)a public service employee assisting a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (d) above.

s 66A ins 2013 No. 3 s 38

pt hdg sub 1993 No. 15 s 17

div hdg ins 2005 No. 24 s 33

amd 2008 No. 51 s 30

67Existing regulations

A regulation in force immediately before the commencement of this section continues to have effect after the commencement as if it had been made immediately after the commencement.

s 67 sub 1993 No. 15 s 17

68Transitional provisions relating to “MA” films

A film that, between 1 May 1993 and the commencement of this section, is classified—

(a)as an “M” film under section 9; and

(b)as an “MA” film under the Classification of Publications and Films Act of the Northern Territory;

is, after the commencement, taken to be classified as an “MA” film under this Act.

s 68 ins 1993 No. 15 s 17

div hdg ins 2005 No. 24 s 34

amd 2008 No. 51 s 31

69Existing classifications

(1)A film classified “G”, “PG”, “M”, “MA”, “R” or “X” under this Act before the commencement of this section is taken, from the commencement, to be, for the purposes of this Act, a film classified as “G”, “PG”, “M”, “MA”, “R” or “X”, respectively, under the Commonwealth Act.

(2)A film refused classification under this Act before the commencement of this section is taken, from the commencement, to be, for the purposes of this Act, a film classified as “RC” under the Commonwealth Act.

(3)If, under this Act and before the commencement of this section, an advertisement for a film—

(a)is approved—the advertisement is taken, from the commencement, to be, for the purposes of this Act, an advertisement approved under the Commonwealth Act for the film; or

(b)is not approved—the advertisement is taken, from the commencement, not to be, for the purposes of this Act, an advertisement approved under the Commonwealth Act for the film immediately after the commencement.

(4)If an application for classification or approval is made under this Act and is not decided before the commencement of this section, the application is taken, from the commencement, to be, for the purposes of this Act, an application made under the Commonwealth Act.

s 69 prev s 69 ins 1996 No. 51 s 4 sch

exp 22 November 1996 (see prev s 69 (5))

pres s 69 ins 1996 No. 56 s 89

div hdg ins 2005 No. 24 s 35

amd 2008 No. 51 s 31

70Conversion of particular classifications of films to equivalent new classifications

(1)This section applies if, immediately before the commencement of this section, a film had a classification (the original classification) under this Act mentioned in column 1 of the following table—

Table
Column 1	Column 2
MA	MA 15+
R	R 18+
X	X 18+

(2)From the commencement, the film is taken to have the classification under this Act set out opposite the original classification in column 2 of the table (the new classification).

(3)From the commencement, a reference in an Act or document to an original classification may, if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to the new classification.

(4)A change from an original classification to the new classification does not affect a proceeding for an offence alleged to have been committed before the commencement, whether the proceeding is started before or after the commencement, in relation to a film described by reference to the original classification.

s 70 ins 2005 No. 24 s 35

div 4 (ss 71–75) ins 2008 No. 51 s 32

71Definitions for div 4

In this division—

amending Act means the Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2008 , part 3.

commencement means the commencement of this section.

previous, followed by a provision number, means the provision as in force immediately before the commencement.

div 4 (ss 71–75) ins 2008 No. 51 s 32

72Existing exemptions for advertisements given under the Commonwealth Act

(1)This section applies to an advertisement for a film in relation to which a certificate of exemption given under the Commonwealth Act as mentioned in previous section 26 (2) is in force immediately before the commencement.

(2)On the commencement, the certificate of exemption continues to have effect for this Act.

div 4 (ss 71–75) ins 2008 No. 51 s 32

73Existing appeals

(1)This section applies to an appeal started under previous section 59 (2) but not ended before the commencement.

(2)The appeal may continue and be decided as if the amending Act had not been enacted.

div 4 (ss 71–75) ins 2008 No. 51 s 32

74Existing entitlements to appeal

(1)This section applies if, immediately before the commencement—

(a)a person was entitled to appeal against a decision mentioned in section 59 (1) and had not started the appeal; and

(b)the period mentioned in the section for starting the appeal had not ended.

(2)This Act as amended by the amending Act applies to the appeal.

div 4 (ss 71–75) ins 2008 No. 51 s 32

75Existing proceedings for offences relating to advertisements for films

(1)This section applies if a proceeding for an offence against a provision of part 4 was started, but had not ended, before the commencement of the amending Act, section 16 (2).

(2)Despite the Criminal Code, section 11, the proceeding may continue, and the provision may be enforced, as if the amending Act, section 16 (2) had not been enacted.

div 4 (ss 71–75) ins 2008 No. 51 s 32

div 5 (ss 76–80) ins 2013 No. 3 s 39

76Definitions for div 5

In this division—

amending Act means the Classification of Computer Games and Images and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013 .

div 5 (ss 76–80) ins 2013 No. 3 s 39

77Applications for exemption under s 57

(1)This section applies to an application for an exemption under section 57 made but not decided before the commencement of this section.

(2)Sections 58 and 59 as in force immediately before the commencement of this section continue to apply in relation to the application as if the amending Act had not commenced.

div 5 (ss 76–80) ins 2013 No. 3 s 39

78Existing exemptions under s 58

(1)This section applies to an exemption given under section 58 that was in force immediately before the commencement of this section.

(2)The exemption continues in force as if it had been granted under section 57 as in force from the commencement.

div 5 (ss 76–80) ins 2013 No. 3 s 39

79Entitlement to review by QCAT

(1)This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, a person could have applied to QCAT under section 59 for the review of a decision mentioned in section 59 (1) (c).

(2)The application may be made and decided as if the amending Act had not commenced.

div 5 (ss 76–80) ins 2013 No. 3 s 39

80Review by QCAT

(1)This section applies to an application, made under section 59 but not decided before the commencement of this section, for the review by QCAT of a decision mentioned in section 59 (1) (c).

(2)The application may continue and be decided as if the amending Act had not commenced.

div 5 (ss 76–80) ins 2013 No. 3 s 39

sch 1 om 1992 No. 36 s 2 sch 2

sch 2 om 1993 No. 15 s 3 sch