R18+rated computer games on the agenda

Campaign added to website: December 16, 2009.

Currently R18+ rated computer games - which contain high levels of sex and violence - are BANNED in Australia. This includes the very violent game Manhunt and BMX XXX which features topless riders and video clips of strippers.

However the Rudd government is considering whether the R18+ classification category should be extended to include computer games. They released a Discussion paper and sought input.

UPDATE: May 2010
A report has been handed to SCAG - the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General. They considered the matter at their meeting in May 2010.
They called for further investigation.
See the note about the decision in the SCAG meeting Communique.
They have prepared a Status Report about the consultation - click here to visit the Inquiry page and read the status report.

The issue

A Discussion Paper has been released by the government.
Click here for the Discussion paper - full details and links below.

Submissions are due by February 28, 2010.

A template has been provided to help you make a submission - more info below...

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor said the government had released a discussion paper on the issue - he claimed they were 'not advocating a position'. He told the Herald Sun "We are releasing a discussion paper, rather than proposing a change, so we have an opportunity to gauge all community views on the subject."

The 16 page Discussion Paper gives arguments for both sides.

Of course, once you start 'discussing' a topic it is just one step closer to making the change!

Over the years there have been numerous inquiries into classification standards - this is yet another attempt to re-consider allowing R18+ rated computer games.

Why don't we want R18+ rated video/computer games?

If R18+ rated games are made available the authorities will be not be able to control who gets to watch them.

The games involve an additional interactive component where the player actually takes on the character and internalise the actions as they play the game.

Those supporting the availability of such games say that most gamers are over 30, that children won't be able to buy them, that people could import them anyway and that they have a 'right' to watch anything they want.

However, just ask them "If you can graphically simulate murdering, raping, mutilating, torturing somebody, etc, in a video game, what aspect of your character will be enhanced by doing so?"
The response? There is not one single "benefit" of R-rated games that will enhance or improve character! 

Report: R-rated games could get nod - Herald Sun, December 15, 2009. 

ACTION

1. Download the Discussion Paper (links below).

2. Make a submission by February 28, 2010.
A submission template is available to assist in making a submission.

You are asked to use the template - which says:

In your submission you need to answer the question:
"Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games?

You need to provide some details about yourself, answer the main question and then answer some questions relating to the 'arguments'.

To make it easier, we've provided the 'suggested answers':
R rated games inquiry - suggested responses

You then then make a short comment - up to 250 words!

It also explains how to send your submission and tells you where to send it!

Send submission/letter to:
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Fax: 02 6141 3488
Post: Classification Review, Attorney-General's Department, 3 -5 National Circuit, BARTON ACT 2600. 

The Discussion Paper

Webpage about the Discussion paper on the federal Attorney-General’s website – click here.

Downloads (from the AG's website) - available on the website link in the line above also.

  Discussion Paper - Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games? - 3.69MB
  Discussion Paper - Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games? - 124KB
  Submission Template - Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games? - 31KB