Classification Review Board: Convenor, Deputy Convenor and Members

**Contact Officer**:
**Closing Date**:
11.59pm AEST, Tuesday 8 July 2025

**About the Classification Review Board**

The National Classification Scheme is a joint scheme between the Australian Government and the states and territories. Under the National Classification Scheme, films, computer games and certain publications must be classified before they are made available in Australia. The Australian Government has enacted the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act) and each state and territory has enacted enforcement legislation to complement the Act.

The Review Board makes its decisions in accordance with the Act, the National Classification Code (the Code), and Classification Guidelines for films, computer games and publications (the Guidelines).

The Review Board is made up of a Convenor, a Deputy Convenor and other Review Board members. The Members of the Review Board are appointed by the Governor-General and membership is to be broadly representative of the Australian community.

**The Opportunities available**

This is a unique opportunity to play an important role in helping Australians make informed choices about what they (or those in their care) watch, play and read.

**The role of the Convenor**

The Convenor is responsible for ensuring that the business of the Review Board is conducted in an orderly and efficient way and may give directions as to the arrangement of the business of the Review Board or the constitution of the Review Board for the purpose of considering a particular matter.

**Key role requirements**:

- participate as a Member to classify material submitted for review
- ensure the Review Board operates in a manner that promotes effectiveness and efficiency, minimises operational costs, balances risk and is manageable within the resources allocated to the Review Board
- maintain work practices that support independent and fair decision making, including the disclosure of any conflicts of interest, and preserve the confidentiality of sensitive information
- provide the Minister for Communications with an annual report of the management of the administrative affairs of the Review Board, in accordance with the Act
- provide stable leadership to the Review Board and support continuity in the execution of the Review Board’s statutory responsibilities within statutory timeframes, and uphold a duty of care towards Review Board Members
- provide leadership and oversight to ensure the Review Board’s decisions are consistent with classification laws, community standards, and principles of transparency and fairness
- act as the primary liaison with the Department, keeping it informed of significant decisions and developments, and
- represent the Review Board in external forums, including Parliamentary Committees, Senate Estimates hearings, and public events, to promote public confidence in its work.

**The role of the Deputy Convenor**

The Deputy Convenor will primarily participate as a Member to classify material submitted for review.

The Act also requires that if there is a vacancy in the office of Convenor, or the Convenor is absent or unable to perform the duties of the office, the Deputy Convenor is to act as the Convenor (refer to requirements for the role of Convenor above).

**The role of a Member**

Members are nominated by the Convenor for the purpose of considering a particular matter received for review. Members need to be able to communicate their views clearly, consider the views of others and make majority-based decisions in line with statutory requirements and based on the principles of administrative, evidence-based decision-making.

When classifying materials, members of the Review Board are exposed to a wide range of content, some of which may be of a confronting, graphic or objectionable nature. Members have access to professional counselling as needed.

**Selection criteria**

To be successful in these roles, applicants will need to demonstrate ability to:

- **Shape Strategic Thinking**
- Maintain awareness of emerging issues in media and technology, ensuring decisions reflect evolving expectations and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency.
- **Achieve Results**
- Make sound, evidence-based decisions with confidence and maturity, balancing competing considerations and exercising strong judgement.
- Take personal responsibility for outcomes, upholding the highest standards of integrity and public accountability in all decisions.
- **Exemplify Personal Drive and Integrity**
- Foster a culture of respect, impartiality, and accountability, taking ownership of decisions and their impact.
- Demonstrate the maturity and self-awareness to manage sensitive and potentially distressing material with care.
- **Cultivate Productive Working Relationships**
- Demonstrated involvement in the community and the ability engage respectfully, ensuring decisions reflect broad community standards and are made independently of personal views.