[PIGMI] R18 Classification Review

[Cameron Royal]

New press release yesterday.




UNCLASSIFIED

[image: large crest]**

*THE HON BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP*

MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND JUSTICE





*MEDIA RELEASE*



Sunday, 5 December 2010



*An adult-only computer game classification to help protect our kids*



Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Brendan O’Connor today announced that
the Gillard Government will advocate for the introduction of an adult only
classification for video games.



“We want to provide better guidance for parents and remove unsuitable
material from children and teenagers. The introduction of an R18+
classification will help achieve that.”



The announcement comes ahead of Friday’s Standing Committee of
Attorneys-General meeting, where Classification Ministers will be asked to
make a decision on the issue.



“We believe that this is the right decision for Australian families and the
right decision for parents who want to be able to make informed choices
about the games their children play.”



“Children and teenagers shouldn’t be exposed to the gratuitous sex, violence
and adult themes that are contained in some computer games,” Mr O’Connor
said.



“There are dozens of games that are currently classified as MA15+ in
Australia, but in other countries these gaming titles are restricted to
adults only.



“If the new category is introduced, it could result in computer games that
are currently classified MA15+ being reclassified R18+, providing a new
level of protection for children.”



“Games that are currently refused classification and do not meet the
standard required for R18+ classification will remain in the refused
classification category.”



The argument for a new adult classification is backed by research, some of
which has been released in recent weeks. (For details visit
www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification).



The latest available data is a Galaxy survey, requested by the Standing
Committee of Attorneys- General in May to assist Ministers in their decision
making.



The national telephone survey shows that 80% of the 2,226 people contacted
said they support the introduction of an R18+ classification for games.



“This survey also reflects the community feedback that I and many members of
the Gillard Government have received from our constituents in recent years,”
he said.



The national survey found that, of those surveyed:

   - 91% said that adults would know that a game classified R18+ is clearly
   unsuitable for children
   - 81% aged over 50 agreed that there should be an R 18+ classification
   for computer games
   - 76% of households with children aged under 18 thought that there should
   be an R18+ classification for computer games.



Support was strong across all States and Territories:

   - Western Australia - 84%
   - Victoria - 82%
   - Tasmania - 82%
   - South Australia - 81%
   - Northern Territory - 81%
   - Queensland - 80%
   - New South Wales - 77%
   - Australian Capital Territory - 77%



The survey results build on the recent public consultation, where 98% of
about 57,000 people supported the introduction of an adult classification.



Australia’s most restrictive classification for video games is currently
MA15+. Games that do not satisfy this category are refused classification
and cannot be brought into Australia.



An R18+ classification for computer games can only be introduced with the
agreement of all Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers.
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