Following a decade of debate, Australia is finally on the verge of bringing in laws to create an adults-only R18+ rating category for computer games, following an agreement made with the NSW Government.At a meeting last month (CDN, July 22) most of the states’ attorneys-general agreed in principle to introduction of the rating, but NSW AG Greg Smith was the lone standout, abstaining from the official vote – in order, he said, to gather “more information”.
But yesterday the O’Farrell Government gave its formal support for the introduction of an R18+ classification.
Greg Smith said he had in fact always expected NSW would join the agreement. “Few people would dispute the value of a classification system that helps keep adult material beyond the reach of children,” he said.
“With strong classification guidelines in place, an R18+ rating should result in violent games currently rated MA15+ in Australia being reclassified as adults-only, as they already are in many other countries.”
Federal Justice Minister Brendan O’Connor welcomed the decision by NSW. “I am delighted that NSW has decided to support what is not just a practical public policy, but a very popular policy,” he said.
“The introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games will provide better advice to parents and help prevent children and teenagers from accessing unsuitable material.”
