WA Greens oppose R18+ game rating, so which party supports it?
August 29, 2008 – 8:15 pm
UPDATE 01/09/08: The WA greens have confirmed this policy.
The WA Greens party will oppose the introduction of an R18+ classification for games if elected in the upcoming Western Australian election.
According to WAvotes.org.au, a website run by the Australian Christian Lobby where parties respond to questions likely to be raised by Christian voters, the Greens oppose the introduction of R18+ computer games ‘because of the levels of violent content, sexual objectification of women and drug references that provoke this rating.‘
WA Greens Candidates
It’s no surprise that the Christian Democratic Party, One Nation, and Family First are against an adult games classification, but I expected a little more common sense and respect for our rights from the Greens.
I contacted their WA office today for further comment on this policy and my request has been passed onto the person who answered the ACL’s survey.
National Greens policy is to ‘introduce a nationally consistent approach to the regulated sale of X-rated material.’ You’d think a consistent approach to classification of films and computer games might also apply!
Other Parties Policies:
If you’re wondering what the other parties policies on the introduction of an R18+ games classification are, here’s their responses to the ACL in brief:
Libs: Concerned about the current material available to minors. ‘A Liberal Government would support the introduction of a R18+ rating for computer games in conjunction with the efforts of the Commonwealth Government and other Australian states and territories.’
One Nation: Supports placing restrictions on all computer games television & films.
Labor: Will await outcome of any public consultation undertaken by the States and Commonwealth Attorneys- General before deciding.
Nationals: No policy.
Christian Democratic Party: Will oppose an R18+ rating for games, work to retain MA15+ as the highest.
Family First: Opposes. ‘In fact, we would support a tightening of the censorship regime in Australia for free to air television and greater controls over internet pornography.’
Janet Woollard: Opposes.
WA votes September 6. Remember to review all the parties policies thoroughly and not rely on the ACL/WAvotes website.
7 Responses to “WA Greens oppose R18+ game rating, so which party supports it?”
I was of the opinion that the Greens were left wing, ie. less economic freedom, but more civil liberties. Isn’t an R18+ rating considered a civil liberty? Perhaps they should just change their name to “The Reds” instead, as it looks like they’re becoming totally authoritarian :/
I know that the Liberty & Democracy Party (LDP) is a relatively new, libertarian party that supports the introduction of an R18+ rating for games. Here’s a link to their policy blog, where one of the entries is in relation to an R18+ rating for games:
http://ldpblog.wordpress.com/
And here’s a link to their official site:
http://www.ldp.org.au/
I know they recently ran in the Gippsland by-elections and the last federal election, but I don’t know about the Western Australian elections.
Let’s hope we get more politicians like this who oppose the extremely patronising nanny state.
By Fermista on Sep 1, 2008
Hi Fermista. From the response I received, it looks like the Greens no little about the benefits of an R18+ classification. They are taking the South Australian route on game censorship by the looks of things.
By Mike on Sep 1, 2008
It hurts like hitting your head against a wall sometimes. This whole issue has really opened up my eyes to how naive, uneducated and unqualified our leaders and perspective leaders are. I’m confident they know *some* things about politics, but as soon as something that wasn’t taught to them at school pops up, they’re completely lost.
By dartmerc on Sep 6, 2008
Hey dartmerc: It’s usually the church and ‘family groups’ whispering in their ear that cause the biggest problems. A lot of votes to go for or against them depending on what they decide.
By Mike on Sep 6, 2008
Hi,
My name’s Greg Tannahill, and I’m running on behalf of the ACT Democrats at the October 18 ACT election in the electorate of Molonglo.
I and the ACT Democrats strongly believe that an R18+ classification for games is necessary, to allow mature Australians to play the games they want to play, and to allow parents to make informed decisions about what games their children are playing.
Support us at the ACT Election to see real change on this issue.
Thanks,
Greg Tannahill
ACT Democrat Candidate for Molonglo
By GregT on Sep 6, 2008
What happens in the case of a tied election result ?
By Chris Hutcherson on Oct 4, 2008