I always find it rather odd they do it in the UK
I’m guessing there’s probably less need for it in Australia as footage of multiple flash camera shots (paparazzi like) at night doesn’t tend to happen as much nor concert shots etc.
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It is interesting to see them warning of flashing images.
I was in the UK this time last year and saw it used frequently across multiple channels. Usually it said “flashing images” in the disclaimer
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Awesome news!
As of now (actually a couple of weeks ago December 5 2019) “MA15+” feature films/telemovies/mini-series/documentaries can now air from 8:30pm (half an hour earlier) and the same for “M” but from 7:30pm (an hour earlier).
Federal Government passed the bill in the House of Reps amendment for “Broadcast Services Act” (which ACMA’s Code falls into).
Hooray 
That stupid specific rule now gone! @TV.Cynic
Example of it already in force:
-“Office Christmas Party” FTA premiere tonight. MA uncut but at 8:30pm.
If you check the guides there’s more examples upcoming on 10, 7flix, etc.
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Well spotted!
The link states is received assent on 12 December, so from then. 
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does this mean no more 2-part movies? 
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Yes (well hopefully, thank f*ck!)
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Don’t think you’re allowed to say that one before 7:30 actually
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Not if they want to air it from 7pm though, it should just be simplified so any M content can be aired in prime time 6-midnight and MA from 8pm.
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“M” rated movies regularly air on multi-channels before 7:30pm anyway (6pm, 6:30pm, whatever) and have been edited down to “PG” for a long time.
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10 are beeping out the F-word on Hughesy tonight, it started at 9:11. Earlier in the show the subject was MDMA. Seems weird to censor the swear word, but not the drug reference. Surely the F-word would be fine at this time of night?
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Free TV Broadcasters welcome greater harmonisation of classification rules
Free TV Australia has welcomed the Government’s Review of Australian Classification Regulation and the proposal to achieve greater consistency of the regulatory framework across platforms.
Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair said: “Free TV supports updating the classification framework to ensure it is operating effectively in the modern media landscape.
“While the system for television is working well, the huge amount of digital content now being consumed means existing processes just can’t classify online content fast enough. We support changes to enable the existing well-understood classification markings to apply to all media content.
“In particular, the regulatory framework should allow content delivered on catch-up services including 7plus, 9Now and 10 play to be classified under the Television Classification Guidelines in the same way as broadcast content.”
In response to calls by some stakeholders to split the existing PG classification into two categories, Free TV expressed reservations, “The existing classification markings are long-standing and have a high-level of consumer awareness.
“Classification categories are not shoe sizes. The reason they work so well is that they support parents to make the rights decisions based on consumer advice and their children’s individual needs.”
Free TV also highlighted the need to ensure that any changes do not inadvertently increase the inconsistency in the existing scheme.
“While automated tools have the potential to deal with high volumes of material, they can also be subject to significant error rates. Changes to the existing framework will be needed to allow for re-classification of content in these circumstances.” Ms Fair said.
A copy of Free TV’s submission can be found here
Download a copy of the PDF here
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So this appears to just be TV and associated BVOD.
There was talk wasn’t there about unifying the Classification Board (who handle theatrical, home entertainment and digital including SVOD) with the TV networks?
Classifications are not just about children, as a viewer it also alerts me what kind of content to expect in the episode. If I am not interested due to medical procedures, strong themes or strong violence level then I can try something else.
That is the power of classifications, enhancing the viewer experience with the brand to watch what content I am interested in watching. Not to go through half an episode just to turn off - total waste of the viewers time.
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Well put, agreed.
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Should children’s shows be classified with age recommendations?
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Different kids mature at different rates. Age is not the primary factor.
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If you’re not mature enough to know what kind of content comes with G and PG, or to not be monitoring what your child is watching, should you really be a parent?
Reminds me of Kitty Flanagan’s take on parents that wanted a traffic light system to show health level of food.
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If it is classified PG, then chances are you may have to explain some themes to your children. That is what it means.
Doesn’t take Einstein to work out what it means.
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