Aussie Public Gets Mass Debate on Game Ratings
South Australians get to control country
Hon Mr Atkinson
Australians have suffered for some considerable time from a political patronisation that treats gamers as if they were children. In short, there has been no R18+ or Adult rating.
Why should you care? Well, if researchers with vested interests can skew data from a civilized country such as Australia to show that gutting or banning games cuts crime and social destruction - without control data in the same country - that research can be used elsewhere... such as your town. Of course, if you are Australian and reading this, it just matters.
The main sticking point for a change to the national rating system has been the South Australian Attorney General's office, and specifically Hon Michael Atkinson MP, the Attorney General himself. Mr Atkinson is dead set against enabling citizens to play video games in their full glory or gory due to the inevitable rampage of slaughter that would follow.
According to his official biog, Mr Atkinson, "...follows the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles and his other interests include his church at West Croydon, gardening, going to the races, fishing and reading."
Well, if the Aussie public can motivate themselves, he may now have to face their ire as the Federal Government is putting the idea of an R18+ classification to the country.
The official blurb is:
Get the discussion paper here.
Why should you care? Well, if researchers with vested interests can skew data from a civilized country such as Australia to show that gutting or banning games cuts crime and social destruction - without control data in the same country - that research can be used elsewhere... such as your town. Of course, if you are Australian and reading this, it just matters.
The main sticking point for a change to the national rating system has been the South Australian Attorney General's office, and specifically Hon Michael Atkinson MP, the Attorney General himself. Mr Atkinson is dead set against enabling citizens to play video games in their full glory or gory due to the inevitable rampage of slaughter that would follow.
According to his official biog, Mr Atkinson, "...follows the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles and his other interests include his church at West Croydon, gardening, going to the races, fishing and reading."
Well, if the Aussie public can motivate themselves, he may now have to face their ire as the Federal Government is putting the idea of an R18+ classification to the country.
The official blurb is:
This afternoon, the Home Affairs Minister, Brendan O’Connor, announced the public consultation on the R18+ Classification for computer games. Following is a copy of his press release: R18+ Classification for Computer Games Discussion Paper Released Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today encouraged people to share their views on whether an R18+ classification category for computer games should be included in the Australian National Classification Scheme.
“I urge everyone with an interest in this issue to contribute to the discussion so the Government can ensure all community views are considered,” O’Connor said.
“I regularly receive representations from both industry and gamers seeking the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games, as well from as those opposed to its introduction.” Mr O’Connor stressed that neither he nor the Government had formed a view on whether the Classification Scheme should include a R18+ Classification for computer games.
“We are releasing a discussion paper rather than proposing a change so we have an opportunity to guage all community views n the subject,” the Minister said. The discussion paper is available at www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification Interested community members can register their views on the accompanying submission template by email, fax or post. Full address details are available at the web address above. Submissions close on 12 February 2009.
“I urge everyone with an interest in this issue to contribute to the discussion so the Government can ensure all community views are considered,” O’Connor said.
“I regularly receive representations from both industry and gamers seeking the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games, as well from as those opposed to its introduction.” Mr O’Connor stressed that neither he nor the Government had formed a view on whether the Classification Scheme should include a R18+ Classification for computer games.
“We are releasing a discussion paper rather than proposing a change so we have an opportunity to guage all community views n the subject,” the Minister said. The discussion paper is available at www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification Interested community members can register their views on the accompanying submission template by email, fax or post. Full address details are available at the web address above. Submissions close on 12 February 2009.
Get the discussion paper here.