Ratings of films, TV shows and video games consumed by Australians are to be shaken up to ensure they're uniform across platforms and adapt to the rapidly evolving media environment.

Australian Press Council chair and former communications department head Neville Stevens has been tapped by the government to look at "harmonisation" of classification rules across traditional TV, online streaming, cinema releases, video games and DVDs.

Classification ratings have not kept pace with people's changing entertainment habits.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said families relied on classification ratings and wanted the advice to reflect community standards.

"The current framework was established in the age of dial-up internet – well before the rise of the online streaming or gaming services we now use daily – so we will be looking at how to modernise it for different content and delivery platforms," he said.