OFLC Classification Decisions

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OFLC Classification Decisions - Internet Content

Information Released by OFLC under FOI, 24 May 2002

In relation to each of the 17 items classified PG, M or MA in the year ended June 2001, the OFLC released:

ABA Online Services Referral Check List
See sample (all of the pages have many blank fields as in the sample).
Classification Board Report
See sample: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3.

Extracts from Classification Board Reports concerning the reason for the classifications given are provided below. Page 2 of each report contains up to half a page of text consisting of two to five similar paragraphs referring to the relevant legislation, Code and Guidelines (see for example, the first five paragraphs in the sample Page 2) and those paragraphs are not included in the extracts below. Generally there is only one short paragraph describing the reason for the classification decision, as quoted below.

Note: URLs listed below are speculative. The ABA does not provide the OFLC with URLs to the content the OFLC classifies. According to Ms Andree Wright of the ABA under cross-examination in the AAT on 18 July 2001: "We do not refer URLs or that type of identifying information to the OFLC...We forward the material to them that is complained about."

PG Classifications

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 20/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3313 A2000001819
URL might be:	http://melbournegraff.cjb.net/
OFLC Synopsis:	"A page of text referred for classification by the ABA. The text is an invitation for people to send in photos of graffiti to be presented as a pictorial gallery of Melbourne's graffiti scene."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...This film warrants a PG classification as it contains adult themes that could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. ... The text is an invitation for people to send in photos of graffiti to be presented as a pictorial gallery of Melbourne's graffiti scene. There is no instruction or promotion of graffiti or any other illegal activity on this website page. There is also a disclaimer that that site operations do not condone or encourage illegal behaviour or acts. The Board is of the opinion that the concept of graffiti may require explanation or guidance from a parent to any person under 15 years of age".

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 20/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3314 A2000001821
URL might be:	http://www.graffiti.org/trains/trains_21.html
OFLC Synopsis:	"Website entitled: 'Art Crimes: Melbourne Trains' that features small pictures of graffiti trains with captions".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"Pursuant to the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Videotapes, the film warrants a PG classification for adult themes that may be confusing to children without adult guidance. This website appears to be a celebration of graffiti art. The small pictures have captions describing them and includes comments such as 'this is my favourite'. In the Board's view, the material requires adult guidance on the dangers and criminal nature of graffiti."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 20/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3315 A2000001820
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Web page dedicated to 'Melbourne Scene' with a picture of a paint spray can. Other links are not accessible but there are references to 'bombing, piercing, tagging, etc"
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...Pursuant to the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Videotaapes, the film warrants a PG classification for adult themes that may be confusing to children without adult guidance. This website entitled 'Melbourne Destruction' appears to celebrate graffiti art and may require adult guidance on the dangers and criminal nature of such activity."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 20/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3317 A2000001818
URL might be:	http://www.melbgraff.cjb.net
OFLC Synopsis:	"A still photo referred for classification by the ABA. The front of a train with a small amount of graffiti is pictured in close up. Text below the picture refers to the Internet Privacy Act in the USA".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...This film warrants a PG classification as it contains adult themes that could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. ... The still photograph shows the front of a Melbourne train, pictured close up with a small amount of graffiti on it. Text below the picture refers to the Internet Privacy Act in the USA and has some other vague references to graffiti. There is no instruction or promotion of graffiti or any other illegal activity on this website page. Given that the word graffiti is mentioned and the front of the train is pictured with graffiti markings the Board is of the opinion that this concept may require explanation or guidance from a parent to any person under 15 years of age".

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 24/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3365 A2000001851
URL might be:	http://www.alphalink.com.au/~jdm/News/Feb99.htm
OFLC Synopsis:	"The Annwn magazine and Newsletter #31 containing news updates, essays on Zionist plots, pesticides, book banning, censorship and chemical weapons, the IMF, World Bank and Associated Press articles"
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...in the Board's opinion this film warrants a 'PG' classification for depictions of adult themes which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. These depictions will not be harmful or disturbing to children but parental guidance is recommended. In the Board's view the descriptions of adult themes including the Holocaust (especially Holocaust revisionism), free speech/censorship, the use of biological and chemical weapons during war and the author's essays concerning his beliefs about international conspiracies are dealt with discreetly and are mild in impact as they are merely textual descriptions with no visual depictions and further, references to these themes are a mixture of fact and extrapolation in a way that lessens its impact. However the Board believes that despite this the treatment of the themes is nevertheless as such that parental guidance is recommended for persons under 15 years of age as it could be confusing to [sic] upsetting to children without adult guidance."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 24/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3367 A2000001846
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Series of articles and essays from Annwn magazine voicing the author's opinions on a variety of subjects but mainly linked with perceived Zionist plotting".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"In the Board's view this film can be accommodated in the PG classification. It contains depictions or references which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance, however the material in this film will not be harmful or disturbing to children. The film contains depictions of correspondence in which are described Holocaust revisionist theory, Zionist conspiracies in collusion with British and American governments and their persecution of the Iraqi people and the propaganda used by western agencies to discredit other nations. There are no visual depictions other than text and the content is discreet and mild in impact."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 24/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3368 A2000001847
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Series of articles and essays from Annwn magazine voicing the author's opinions on a variety of subjects but mainly linked with perceived Zionist plotting".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"In the Board's view this film can be accommodated in the PG classification. It contains depictions or references which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance, however the material in this film will not be harmful or disturbing to children. The film contains depictions of correspondence in which are described Holocaust revisionist theory, Zionist conspiracies in collusion with British and American governments and their persecution of the Iraqi people and the propaganda used by western agencies to discredit other nations. There are no visual depictions other than text and the content is discreet and mild in impact.".

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 24/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3369 A2000001848
URL might be:	http://www.alphalink.com.au/~jdm/Essays/wolves.htm
OFLC Synopsis:	" 'Wolves in Sheep's Clothing' essay including extracts from the book 'The Kingdom of Zion' and comments about the hypocrisy of St. Augustine and various religions."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...in the Board's opinion this film warrants a 'PG' classification for depictions of adult themes which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. These depictions will not be harmful or disturbing to children but parental guidance is recommended. In the Board's view the descriptions of adult themes including the Holocaust (especially Holocaust revisionism), free speech/censorship, religion and the author's essays concerning his beliefs about international conspiracies, are dealt with discreetly and are mild in impact as they are merely textual descriptions with no visual depictions and further, references to these themes are a mixture of fact and extrapolation in a way that lessens its impact. However the Board believes that despite this the treatment of the themes is nevertheless as such that parental guidance is recommended for persons under 15 years of age as it could be confusing to [sic] upsetting to children without adult guidance."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 24/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3370 A2000001849
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"The Annwn magazine and Newsletter #31 containing news updates, essays on Zionist plots, pesticides, book banning, censorship and chemical weapons, the IMF, World Bank and Associated Press articles"
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...in the Board's opinion this film warrants a 'PG' classification for depictions of adult themes which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. These depictions will not be harmful or disturbing to children but parental guidance is recommended. In the Board's view the descriptions of adult themes including the Holocaust (especially Holocaust revisionism), free speech/censorship, the use of biological and chemical weapons during war and the author's essays concerning his beliefs about international conspiracies are dealt with discreetly and are mild in impact as they are merely textual descriptions with no visual depictions and further, references to these themes are a mixture of fact and extrapolation in a way that lessens its impact. However the Board believes that despite this the treatment of the themes is nevertheless as such that parental guidance is recommended for persons under 15 years of age as it could be confusing to [sic] upsetting to children without adult guidance."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 24/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3371 A2000001850
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Series of articles and essays from Annwn magazine voicing the author's opinions on a variety of subjects but mainly linked with perceived Zionist plotting".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"In the Board's view this film can be accommodated in the PG classification. It contains depictions or references which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance, however the material in this film will not be harmful or disturbing to children. The film contains depictions of correspondence in which are described adult themes including those of Holocaust revisionist theory, Zionist conspiracies in collusion with British and American governments and their persecution of the Iraqi people and the propaganda used by western agencies to discredit other nations. There are no visual depictions other than text and the content is discreet and mild in impact."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 03/01/2001	OFLC No: ABA No.	T01/3 A2000001987-1
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"30 small images of male and female models. The text states 'Under 18' and 'Over 18' ".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"The image shows 30 small depictions of male and female models listed in the stated categories of under and over 18. The images appear to be modelling shots such as those used for casting agencies. The Board notes the bottom right depiction of a female wearing white briefs and in the "over 18" category, who displays some buttock nudity. In the Board's opinion, these images do not constitute child pornography or an offensive fantasy and therefore can be accommodated at the PG classification category."

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 2/03/2001	OFLC No: ABA No.	T01/837 2001002122-1
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Article detailing a testing device capable of determining the purity and strength of ecstasy that may be beneficial in reducing harm to users."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...the material warrants a PG classification for drug references that may be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. Drug References: The article contains discreet verbal drug references that do not promote or encourage drug use. While the article refers to the drug ecstasy, it contains no information about what ecstasy is, how to obtain it or what the effect of it is. It appears to be a balanced piece of reporting as may appear in a newspaper (although written in a style more appealing to a young audience). The article outlines how the testing works and how it has been received by other countries. The article also contains a list of websites containing information on drugs which appear to be of an educative/scientific nature."

M Classifications

Classification: Processing Date:	M 15+ 28/05/2001	OFLC No: ABA No.	T01/1324 2001002204-1
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Page from the website of Oz Stonerz Australia which promotes cannabis culture. This page contains a posting by Rattdog."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"In the Board's view the general comments about fans, tub sizes and references to 'buds' are not sufficiently specific such that they refer only to the cultivation of prohibited drugs. The Board believes that such information is both readily available and applicable to the cultivation of any plant and not just for the cultivation of prohibited drugs such as marijuana. There are no types of prohibited drugs named in this posting and no instruction or promotion of drug use. As this page contains only comments in this vein, in the Board's view it is recommended for mature audiences 15 years and over but it is not sufficiently hight in impact to warrant restriction."

MA15+ Classifications

Classification: Processing Date:	MA15+ 23/8/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/2580 2000001736
URL might be:	http://members.optusnet.com.au/~hugho/Spidbite.htm
OFLC Synopsis:	"Web page advertising a service of sending a venomous spider to an enemy. Includes detail of the spider, venomous effects and means of postage and address."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"This web page appears to be a joke based on such elements as the contact's name 'Hugh G Spyder'. However, considerable detail is included about the 'service' on offer that may induce a young viewer and thereby cause harm or disturbance. The creator of the page includes an address and a request for US$50 in order to carry out the offer of sending a venomous spider to a recipient of the applicant's choice. He also includes detail of the spider itself, the capability of its venom to cause illness and death together with the means of packaging the animal to ensure the recipient is harmed by it. In the Board's view, a mature perspective is required in order for the viewer to determine that this site does not have a serious intention."

Classification: Processing Date:	MA15+ 14/11/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3615 2000001841-1
URL might be:	http://www.alphalink.com.au/~suevill/Tara__the_outsider.html
OFLC Synopsis:	"A computer disc with written text on screen. A short story of Tara, describing her feelings of being an outsider along with a description of a sexual encounter."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"In the Board's view the film is appropriately located within the MA classification as it contains material that requires a mature perspective. Classifiable elements are as follows: Sexual references Written text on screen provides a description of sexual activity between two women. The story is brief, simple and written within the context of a woman's discovery of her lesbian sexual identity. In the Board's view this material warrants an MA classification as it is unsuitable for viewers under 15.

Classification: Processing Date:	MA15+ 06/03/2001	OFLC No: ABA No.	T01/613 2001002096-1
URL might be:
OFLC Synopsis:	"Several images of a female in various states of undress referred for classification by the ABA."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"This film warrants an MA classification as it requires a mature perspective. This page from an internet site contains twenty thumbnail pictures of an adult Asian female in various states of undress and different poses. The impact of the nudity is strong, so as to warrant restriction at an MA classification."

Classification: Processing Date:	MA15+ 28/05/2001	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/1325 2001002205-1
URL might be:	http://www.green.net.au/hempvic/ (closed, but pages still there)
OFLC Synopsis:	Homepage of the Help End Marijuana Prohibition group containing hypertext links to other pages within the site and lists of warnings about harm minimisation in the use of marijuana."
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"In the Board's view the treatment of the issue of marijuana consumption is educative and with a harm minimisation goal. There are no instructions as to growing or the use of marijuana and there is also a warning that the smoking of marijuana is not legal. As well as this there are health warnings for those who may be at a higher risk of harm, warnings not to combine drugs and alcohol, minimisation of carbon monoxide inhalation, and other general advice."

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