This joint submission to the Review on Modernising and Harmonising Classification Standards was signed by Scarlet Alliance, AIVL, Eros Association, SIN South Australia, ethical technology consultancy Cadent, Professor Alan McKee and indie porn performer-producer Kim Cums.

The submitters support a classifications system where decisions are based on evidence of harm rather than moral judgement. We call for a framework that allows for lawful depiction of consensual kink and BDSM, removal of rules that censor small breasts and visible labia, and neutral drug use descriptors in place of terms like “decency” and “artistic merit”. We support self-classification as the default, subject to further detail on how it would work.

We oppose renaming MA15+ to MA16+ to match the social media ban, and oppose applying film classifications to publications, which would criminalise currently lawful stock in bookshops and adult stores. Aligning the systems cannot work while state, territory, local government and eSafety rules sit outside the review’s scope. We also oppose a general public Advisory Council, proposing one made up of affected community peak bodies instead. Finally, we recommended pausing amendments to the Classification Scheme until the Digital Duty of Care is finalised.