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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 8 Hansard (27 June) . . Page.. 2527 ..

The advantages of having the Director of the Classification Board making these decisions are threefold:

. the Director has the relevant expertise in assessing films, publications and computer games;

. the Director can make consistent decisions in respect of film festivals that often tour several jurisdictions; and

. the process for applicants wishing to obtain exemptions and approvals will be simplified and made more efficient.

The exercise of powers by the Director will not be unfettered however, as the Bill inserts a new section provided that the Director, in exercising discretion under Part VII is subject to directions or guidelines issued by the Minister. Guidelines for granting exemptions for film festivals are currently being discussed by Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers with a view to having consistent criteria applied to exemptions in all jurisdictions.

The Bill also makes several amendments to the Principal Act of a minor and technical nature. Included also in these amendments are some consequential amendments to the Business Franchise ("X" Videos) Act 1990 and the Taxation (Administration) Act 1987 which were overlooked at the time the Principal Act was enacted.

Mister Speaker I commend this Bill to the Assembly.

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