Hello. I find film classification highly fascinating. I think the Australian Classification Board for the most part does a fantastic job.

I find it very interesting how much things have changed over the years. Perhaps the most noticeable change has been with the R18+ classification.

Even after the creation of the MA15+ classification, there were quite a few R18+ films released in 1990s and 2000s that seem more MA15+ by today's standards, and some that seem R18+ by today's standards, but have consumer advice they probably wouldn't have today.

I've always been curious as to which scenes and/or themes in particular caused the R18+ classification of such films. I believe every film that has been classified by the Australian Classification Board has a report, that actually explains the specific reasons for the classification. So if it's not too much trouble, I was wondering if you'd be willing to grant me access to the reports of some films:

American Psycho (2000)

Boogie Nights (1997)

Desperado (1995)

Lost Highway (1997)

8MM (1999)

The Pledge (2001)

U Turn (1997)

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

Narc (2002)

Summer of Sam (1999)

The Salton Sea (2002)

Titus (1999)

Little Odessa (1994)

No Way Home (1996)

FOI, Classification Board

OFFICIAL

Good afternoon,

I refer to your FOI request below received on 06 May 2022. I have been advised by the line area responsible for processing your request that you may wish to consider having this request processed outside of the FOI process. This is called an administrative release. The line area has advised that because you are seeking decision reports only for the films listed below, they quite often release these documents administratively as opposed to under the formal FOI process. What this means for you is that the process is generally a lot quicker however should any redactions be made to the documents released to you, you will not be able to seek a review of the decision. Further information regarding the administrative release of documents is available on the OAIC website - https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor....

Could you please confirm by close of business Tuesday 31 May 2022 if you agree to this proposal?

Thank you,

Kristin
A/g Assistant Director – Freedom of Information
•  Integrity Projects & Freedom of Information  •  People, Governance, Parliamentary & Communication Division
P: 02 6274 6294   E:[email address]
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS
  infrastructure.gov.au

                                   

OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Guy <[FOI #8860 email]>
Sent: Friday, 6 May 2022 4:35 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - R18+ films

Hello. I find film classification highly fascinating. I think the Australian Classification Board for the most part does a fantastic job.

I find it very interesting how much things have changed over the years. Perhaps the most noticeable change has been with the R18+ classification.

Even after the creation of the MA15+ classification, there were quite a few R18+ films released in 1990s and 2000s that seem more MA15+ by today's standards, and some that seem R18+ by today's standards, but have consumer advice they probably wouldn't have today.

I've always been curious as to which scenes and/or themes in particular caused the R18+ classification of such films. I believe every film that has been classified by the Australian Classification Board has a report, that actually explains the specific reasons for the classification. So if it's not too much trouble, I was wondering if you'd be willing to grant me access to the reports of some films:

American Psycho (2000)

Boogie Nights (1997)

Desperado (1995)

Lost Highway (1997)

8MM (1999)

The Pledge (2001)

U Turn (1997)

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

Narc (2002)

Summer of Sam (1999)

The Salton Sea (2002)

Titus (1999)

Little Odessa (1994)

No Way Home (1996)

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I agree to this proposal.

FOI, Classification Board

1 Attachment

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and
will be actioned appropriately.

 

If you are contacting us with a request under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (the FOI Act), please be advised that we are working to confirm
the correct handling of this matter and will formally acknowledge your
request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this
contact to occur within 14 days of receipt of your email, in accordance
with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

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Hello again, sorry if I sound rude, but it's been a while, when can I expect a response?

FOI, Classification Board

17 Attachments

OFFICIAL

 

Good afternoon Guy,

 

Apologies for the delay in providing documents relating to your movie
classification request originally received on 06 May 2022. These documents
are now attached as requested.

 

Our Department now considers this matter as finalised however please do
not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

 

Regards,

Kristin

A/g Assistant Director – Freedom of Information

•  Integrity Projects & Freedom of Information  •  People, Governance,
Parliamentary & Communication Division

P: 02 6274 6294   E:[1][email address]
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

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[4]cid:image001.png@01D818E4.7DB6ED20

OFFICIAL

 

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That's fine, thank you very much.

FOI, Classification Board

1 Attachment

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and
will be actioned appropriately.

 

If you are contacting us with a request under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (the FOI Act), please be advised that we are working to confirm
the correct handling of this matter and will formally acknowledge your
request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this
contact to occur within 14 days of receipt of your email, in accordance
with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

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Actually, I'm very sorry if I'm being annoying, but the reports for Narc, Lost Highway, American Psycho and 3000 Miles To Graceland don't list scenes that contributed to the R18+ classification. That's because they're the reports for the DVD, not the 35 mm theatrical releases. If it's not too much trouble, would you possibly be able to send me the reports for those films that are?

Again, sorry if I sound rude, but when can I expect a response?

Just sending one more message to get your attention.

FOI, Classification Board

OFFICIAL

Hi Guy,

Not sure why you are attempting to get our Department's attention - a final email with the reports you requested was sent to you on 07 July 2022.

Regards,

Kristin
Case Manager – Freedom of Information
•  Integrity Projects & Freedom of Information  •  People, Governance, Parliamentary & Communication Division
P: 02 6274 6294   E:[email address]
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS
  infrastructure.gov.au

                                   

OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Guy <[FOI #8860 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 26 July 2022 1:34 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information request - R18+ films

Just sending one more message to get your attention.

-----Original Message-----

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and

will be actioned appropriately.

 

If you are contacting us with a request under the Freedom of Information

Act 1982 (the FOI Act), please be advised that we are working to confirm

the correct handling of this matter and will formally acknowledge your

request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this

contact to occur within 14 days of receipt of your email, in accordance

with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address

GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and

Communications

CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

  [2]infrastructure.gov.au   [3]cid:image001.png@01D724A5.551E1E80

 

 

 

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Really? I didn't get any email from you. Maybe it would be best if you uploaded them here.

FOI, Classification Board

1 Attachment

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and
will be actioned appropriately.

 

If you are contacting us with a request under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (the FOI Act), please be advised that we are working to confirm
the correct handling of this matter and will formally acknowledge your
request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this
contact to occur within 14 days of receipt of your email, in accordance
with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

  [2]infrastructure.gov.au   [3]cid:image001.png@01D724A5.551E1E80

 

 

 

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Hello again, unless you reply, this will be my last message, will you be able to upload the reports here? I don't think email will work.

FOI, Classification Board

OFFICIAL

Good morning Guy,

I responded to your email on the 27 July 2022, and re-attached the reports that had previously been sent to you. Unfortunately we are unable to upload directly onto the Right to Know website, however if you have another email address, I am more than happy to re-try sending them through to there.

Regards,

Kristin
Case Manager – Freedom of Information
•  Integrity Projects & Freedom of Information  •  People, Governance, Parliamentary & Communication Division
P: 02 6274 6294   E:[email address]
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS
  infrastructure.gov.au

                                   

OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Guy <[FOI #8860 email]>
Sent: Sunday, 14 August 2022 3:01 AM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information request - R18+ films

Hello again, unless you reply, this will be my last message, will you be able to upload the reports here? I don't think email will work.

-----Original Message-----

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and

will be actioned appropriately.

 

If you are contacting us with a request under the Freedom of Information

Act 1982 (the FOI Act), please be advised that we are working to confirm

the correct handling of this matter and will formally acknowledge your

request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this

contact to occur within 14 days of receipt of your email, in accordance

with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address

GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and

Communications

CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

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This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

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This matter has been resolved over.

FOI, Classification Board

1 Attachment

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and
will be actioned appropriately.

 

If you are contacting us with a request under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (the FOI Act), please be advised that we are working to confirm
the correct handling of this matter and will formally acknowledge your
request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this
contact to occur within 14 days of receipt of your email, in accordance
with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

  [2]infrastructure.gov.au   [3]cid:image001.png@01D724A5.551E1E80

 

 

 

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Oops, I meant to say this matter has been resolved over the phone.

FOI, Classification Board

1 Attachment

Your email has been received by the FOI Coordinator for the Department of
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request as soon as practicable with any next steps. You can expect this
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with paragraph 15(5)(a) of the FOI Act.

 

Thank you,

 

FOI Coordinator

Freedom of Information

Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch

People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division

E: [1][email address
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601

 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS  •  ENRICHING COMMUNITIES  •  EMPOWERING REGIONS

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