Introducing an R18+ rating for games is a priority for Ron Curry, the newly appointed CEO of the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia. In an interview with The Age, Ron said that the association has not yet had the opportunity to meet with the Rudd Government to discuss the issue, but stressed the real blockade was at a State level:
…The new government doesn’t change the legislation that says each of the states and territories must agree unanimously on an R18+ classification before the federal government get involved. That hasn’t changed, so we need to continue talking to the state and territory governments. South Australia is a major challenge.
You can read the full interview here.
In March this year SCAG (Standing Committee of Attorneys-General) will meet, but it’s unknown whether game classification will be high or even on the agenda.
When the R18+ rating was called for in 2002 at SCAG, SA Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said the risks of an R18+ rating outweighed the benefits and that his role was to be cautious on behalf of children.
You can read brief SCAG reports from previous years online.
The average age of Aussie gamers has risen to 28 years old.
