NSW agrees to R18+ classification for Computer Games
THE HON BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND JUSTICE
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
NSW agrees to R18+ classification for computer games
Minister for JusticeBrendan O’Connor today welcomed the decision by NSW to join all jurisdictions in agreeing to create – for the first time – an adult category for computer games inAustralia. Law Ministers from all jurisdictionsexcept NSW agreed last month to support in-principle the Commonwealth’s proposal to introduce an R18+ classification for computer games in Australia.
The NSW Attorney-General today announced that Cabinet had given its in-principle support for the introduction of the new rating. The Commonwealth has been advocating for the R18+ classification for some time.
“I am delighted that NSW has decided to support what is not just a practical public policy, but a very popular policy,” Mr O’Connor 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.
“Once introduced, the new classification will also afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults.
“It is a credit to all jurisdictions that the meeting has now been able to achieve agreement over what is a complex matter in classification policy.”
A national telephone survey conducted by Galaxy last year showed that 80 per cent of the 2,226 people contacted said they supported the introduction of an adult only category for games.
Draft guidelines presented at the last meeting have since been amended, requiring some jurisdictions to seek approval from their respective Cabinets. In the meantime, the Commonwealth is preparing to legislate to introduce the new classification.
The proposed Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games recognise the unique interactive nature of computer games. These changes will ensure that games containing high-level violence are restricted to adults. Games containing extreme violence will continue to be refused classification and banned from sale altogether.
Media Adviser: Maria
Hawthorne 0407 015 986 maria.hawthorne@ag.gov.au