Slashdot Mirror
Australia Could Finally Get R18+ Games
angry tapir writes "Australia may finally get an adults only, R18+ classification for computer games, with the federal government releasing a discussion paper summarizing the key arguments for and against an R18+ classification. Submissions are currently being sought from the community on whether the Australian National Classification Scheme should include an R18+ category for computer and video games. In the past the board responsible for classifying games and movies has banned some titles outright because of the lack of an adults only classification — Aliens Vs. Predator is just the most recent in a long line. The Attorney-General's report on the issue is available online."
...is when the people give one state AG the power to frustrate the wishes of all the other state AG's and the people who pay his wages.
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Atkinson
This person has been the sole reason why Australia doesn't have a R18+ rating, and I highly doubt a discussion paper will change his mind.
you can still purchase them online and legally own and play them
Not true. From this post in the last discussion on the topic:
From the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995
10.99:
level 2 prohibited material means:
(a) a publication, film or computer game classified RC; or
(b) an unclassified publication, film or computer game that contains material that would be likely to cause it to be classified RC.
10.102:
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person has possession or control of material; and
(b) the material is level 2 prohibited material; and
(c) the material is in a prescribed area.
Penalty: 100 penalty units.
Unfortunately we can have all the consultation we want - as long as Michael Atkinson (think Jack Thompson with a political office) is Attorney-General of South Australia he will veto it.
As it stands, the decision needs to be unanimous amongst all the states - support for an R18+ rating seems to hover around 90% in most polls, but without the support of this one idiot, nothing is ever going to change.
Its about time the Australian government realized that games are not just for kids anymore.
This has nothing to do with the government's opinion as a whole.
Any changes to the film and literature classification system must be approved unanimously by the Attorney-Generals. Michael Atkinson (AG of South Australia) is the only one against the introduction of an R18+ rating. His arguments are essentially "think of the children"-based. He fully understands the "games are not just for kids anymore" argument but is on a personal crusade to protect the country from anything he sees as bad for children. He will never change his opinion because it would make him look weak. Nothing will happen unless his ability to veto the decision is revoked.
It almost makes me ashamed to live in the same state as him.
Homonyms are fun!
You're driving your car, but they're riding their bikes there.
Comment removed based on user account deletion