Atkinson steps down, hallelujah

David Swan
Sunday, 21 March 2010 13:52

IT People - People

The day has finally arrived for Aussie gamers. South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has announced he will step down from the ministry.

 

OPINION: It's finally happened, but no-one thought it would happen like this. Michael Atkinson, the most hated name in Australian gaming, has stepped down from his position as South Australia's Attorney-General in order to spend more time with his family and for the purpose of "renewal".

Atkinson was the only State Attorney-General in objection to Australia having an R18+ rating for video games, and was the cause behind many games in Australia being refused classification as they didn't come under the MA15+ rating.

The massive announcement has come a day after a very tight state election in which the Rann Labor government seems set to be returned to Goverment, although with a reduced majority. Mr Atkinson said it was time for renewal and change.

'I believe there should be renewal,' Mr Atkinson said.

'There ought to be renewal in the ministry. There are talented people on the Labor backbench who deserve a go.'

Mr Atkinson also said one of the factors in the decision had been wanting to watch his son Johnno play soccer for Woodville-Belgrade.

"He was supposed to play his first game last night at 7pm and like so many times in my time in Parliament I wasn't there," he said. " I am pretty disappointed about that.

"So I resolved that every time Johnno walks on the pitch this year his dad is going to be there even if it embarrasses the hell out of him."

Mr Atkinson, who has served in parliament for 20 years, will now move to the backbench and is unlikely to seek re-election in 2014.

In addition to the gaming issue, which even led to an anti-Atkinson political party known as Gamers4Croydon, the controversial Attorney-General has attracted a long line of criticism over internet censorship, a 'stashed cash' affair and a few high-profile defamation cases. More to come when available.

It is unknown who will become the next Attorney-General and if there will be any need for Gamers4Croydon any longer. In any case, gamers can sleep well tonight.