The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.
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 Classification Review Board (Review Board) is an independent statutory body established under the Act and is required to apply relevant legislation to make classification decisions that reflect Australian community standards. The Review Board’s role is to review, upon application, decisions of the Classification Board.
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 a part-time Board that convenes following an application for review of a decision made by the Classification Board. When an application for review is received, the Review Board convenes to consider the material and hear submissions by the applicant and other parties with an interest in the decision. It can be necessary to convene the Review Board to review decisions at relatively short notice.
As a merits review body, the Review Board does not hear appeals but makes a fresh classification decision by applying the Act, the Code and 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.
Further information about the National Classification Scheme, the Code and Guidelines, as well as the Board’s annual report, is available at: www.classification.gov.au.
The Opportunities available
The Australian Government is looking for exceptional candidates for appointment to the Review Board in the roles of Convenor, Deputy Convenor and Member, with appointments commencing in early December 2025.
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
- exercise good judgment when making decisions by applying relevant provisions in the Act, the National Classification Code, the classification guidelines and other relevant instruments and regulations
- 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
- proactively maintain awareness of emerging issues and expectations, guiding the Review Board in applying classification principles to support informed and consistent decisions
- 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.
- Apply reason, common sense, and sensitivity when dealing with a wide variety of content, some of which may be confronting or graphic in nature.
- 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.
- Contribute to an inclusive and safe workplace, actively supporting the diversity and wellbeing of all team members.
- Communicate with Influence
- Demonstrate high-level oral and written communication skills, including the ability to respectfully debate complex and sensitive issues.
- Explain decisions clearly and with empathy, ensuring transparency and public confidence in the Review Board’s work.
Additional Requirements
- While prior classification experience is not required, you must demonstrate a sound understanding of classification issues, contemporary media and technology trends, and relevant legislation.
- Experience working within statutory frameworks or decision-making bodies is desirable.
- Availability to participate in classification reviews and training at the Sydney office or online, with reliable internet and a private space to view sensitive materials.
- Commitment to workplace diversity and the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTIQ+ communities. Applications from these groups are encouraged.
Note on Exposure to Sensitive Material
The Review Board roles involve exposure to a broad range of content, including material that may be confronting or graphic. Applicants must be able to assess this material objectively and with maturity.
Eligibility requirements
- Citizenship: Applicants must be Australian citizens.
- Police checks, personal insolvency and background checks: Preferred applicants may be the subject of police record checks, personal insolvency and background checks.
- Health assessment: The preferred applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the Department’s preferred medical provider.
- Security clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
How to apply
Applications for these roles close at 11.59pm AEST Tuesday 8 July 2025.
In applying for these roles, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should:
- clearly indicate which role/s you wish to be considered for: Convenor, Deputy Convenor and/or Member
- provide a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role/s, and
- a CV of no more than 4 pages
Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the Recruitment Team on 02 6136 8989 or via email to [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
As these are statutory appointments made by the Governor-General, finalisation of appointments may take an extended period of time. Applicants will be notified about the outcome of their application once the process has been finalised.
