‘Just Plain Dirt and Nothing Else’?

Abstract

Classification law in Australia is currently under close scrutiny. In December 2010 the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General called for the review of the 'Refused Classification' ('RC') category, in June 2011 the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Reference Committee handed down their review of the National Classification Scheme, and in February 2012 the Australian Law Reform Commission ('ALRC') released their own report on the Scheme calling for widespread change. This article contributes to the contemporary focus on classification law by unpacking the conceptual basis that underlies the differences between classificatory categories, so as to provide insight into the functioning of the classificatory system at a symbolic level. In particular, this article is concerned with the regulation of sexually explicit films - that directly depict unsimulated sexual activities - and what the differential restrictions placed on such films tells us about the kinds of sex and desire that are valued and devalued by the law.