28 March 2008
MINISTER TO SEEK COMMUNITY VIEWS
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today announced that community views would be sought on whether to introduce an R 18+ classification for computer games.
“I am pleased that a public consultation process will be conducted on this issue,” Mr Debus said.
“Seeking the community’s views will ensure that my fellow Censorship Ministers and I can be better informed on the issue.”
Most other countries with comparable classification schemes have an adult rating for computer games.
The Minister for Home Affairs, as the Commonwealth Minister responsible for classification policy, has received numerous representations from both industry and gamers seeking the introduction of an R 18+ classification for computer games.
“I share concerns about the impact that high level violent content can potentially have on minors,” Mr Debus said.
“This is not consultation on a proposal to introduce an R 18+ level for games. It’s a public consultation process seeking community views to inform our position.
“I am very interested to find out whether parents would be empowered by an R 18+ classification, which is legally restricted to adults, and whether they would find the clear labelling of high level games as R 18+ a useful tool to assist them in knowing what games minors should not play.”
“In other words, a classification regime that’s in the best interest of families.
“Consultation will allow us to form a position based on evidence about community views on the issue,” Mr Debus said.
“If the broader community doesn’t support its introduction, then we have an answer for those who lobby for it.”
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448721372