About Classification, Censorship & Freedom of Expression

Arts Law is a strong advocate for freedom of artistic and cultural expression and for legal reforms that create modern and functional safeguards protecting the right to such expression. Arts Law has made numerous submissions in response to reviews of the laws relating to artistic censorship and classification laws. Arts Law recognises the need to guard against strict censorship and classification laws which are unnecessarily restrictive and prevent freedom of artistic expression. On the other hand, Arts Law understands that freedom of expression must be balanced by appropriate safeguards for the protection of children and Indigenous culture and the constraints relating to defamation, copyright, trade practices and other laws. Arts Law advocates for a positive right to artistic expression subject to limits which are just and proportional, and which do not unfairly impede on the creation of legitimate art works. Arts Law takes the position that current debates on a proposed tort for the invasion of privacy, strict classification laws and strict regulation of digital technology must consider the possible disadvantages for freedom of artistic expression.