Australia may still receive the R18 games classification that consumers across the region have been calling for since 2002, with the Australian Federal Government considering introducing the classification without the approval of the State Attorney-Generals.
Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Home Affairs in Australia, has thrown down the gauntlet to the state Attorney-Generals, in stating that the R18 games debate has reached crunch time.
"We’re becoming the laughing stock of the developed world, where we’re the only country that doesn’t have an R18 classification level for video games," O’Connor said today.
"I foreshadow that if there is not a consensus around this issue, the Commonwealth will certainly be considering other options because we cannot continue to have an outdated classification system that’s actually, in my view, causing harm to young people."
The introduction of an R18 classification for video games will help protect children from games that feature adult-orientated content, as well as offer parents more information so they can make an informed decision as to what games they are purchasing for their children. In addition, it will also give adult gamers more freedom of choice in what they view themselves.
"I’m not going to let this matter end because it’s too important to allow one or two jurisdictions to stop the majority of jurisdictions in this country moving on an important reform," O’ Connor added.
"But can I say my very strong preference is to have consensus around the table in July."
Even with an adults-only rating, games can still be refused classification should they not meet the guidelines for an R18 certificate.
The next Standing Committee of Attorney-Generals (SCAG) meeting is tabled for July of 2011.