Senator Julian McGauran’s response to media and violence questions
9 January 1998
Mr. Keith Tidswell
National Executive Director
Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia Inc.
PO Box 2066
KENT TOWN SA 5071
Dear Mr. Tidswell,
Than you for your letter of 31 December concerning the implementation of recommendations of the Committee of Ministers on the portrayal of Violence following the Port Arthur tragedy.
Matters arising form submissions to the Ministerial Committee on the Portrayal of Violence (Ministerial Committee) were referred to the Senate Select Committee on Community Standards Relevant to the Supply of Services Utilising Electronic Technologies (Senate Committee). The Senate Committee tabled a Report on the Portrayal of Violence in the Electronic Media (the Report) on 13 February 1997 and the Government is considering its response to the 18 recommendations contained in the report. The Government's response is expected to be tabled in the next (Autumn 1998) sittings of Parliament.
However, a number of steps have already been taken ahead of the official response.
Firstly, guidelines for the classification of film, television and video tapes in all categories were tightened in relation to violence. In particular the removal of high level violence material from the "R" classification.
Secondly, the Government has banned the existing graphic nature of the X-rated video category and replaced with less explicit Non Violent Erotica classification. The new category will contain tighter guidelines a in order to exclude material that is of a demeaning manner.
This new category will not permit the depiction of violence, sexual violence or coercion. It does not allow sexually aggressive language, depictions that purposefully demean or for people over the age of 18 to be portrayed as minors.
Thirdly, Pay television will be restricted to providing programs classified no higher than an R-rating. Programming of X-rated and any replacement category will be totally banned. The viewing o the R-rated category on pay television will be restricted to late night viewing and will only be able to accessed by using secure Personal Identification Number.
Moreover, the respective industries have been placed on notice, that any lack of adherence to the new censorship rules will lead to a further revise of the guidelines.
Fourthly, the Government has reaffirmed the restriction on free to air television networks to broadcast "MA" programmes before 9.30pm, and for these programmes to carry a consumer advice "V" (Violence) symbol.
Fifthly, a review of the composition of, and terms of appointment to, the Classification board and the Classification Review Board as recommended by the Ministerial Committee has been completed, with the aim of making the censors more community responsive. Further, the Attorney -General has established a Community Advisory Committee to consult with the Minister on censorship matters.
Finally, on 12 December 1997, the Attorney-General announced tough new laws for offensive Internet material. These measure will guarantee that on-line services will be appropriately monitored to ensure criminal sanctions for serious offences while not inhibiting industry growth.
For you information I have included a recent speech made in the Senate in regard to the sexually violent movie Salo - which is currently before the Censorship Review Board to consider re-banning. Such an action would re-emphasize the Government's approach to restricting violent and explicit material.
I trust this addresses the matters outlined in your letter.
Regards,
(Signed)
SENATOR JULIAN MCGAURAN
National Party,
Victoria
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