Christian Lobby confuses multiple arguments for R18+ game classification

Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 13 April 2011 13:39

Opinion and Analysis

The Australian Christian Lobby is at it again, leaping on comments today by Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Conner that the introduction of an R18+ Classification for interactive entertainment would boost jobs in this country.  According to the ACL the pro 18+ classification camp doesn't know what it wants.  The truth however, is the ACL cannot seem to cope with multiple positive reasons for a rating system refresh.

So today Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Conner has made a statement about how rejigging Australia's interactive entertainment classification system may indeed have a positive boost on the local industry.

As reported over at Atomic, Mr O'Conner touched on how important the local games development industry is; 'Australia's local game design industry boasts more than 50 companies and over 200 game titles and it is growing strongly along with the international demand for new games,' he said.
'We want to create opportunities for our young people in diverse parts of the economy. The games industry is an increasingly important part of our creative economy that we should support.'

Mr O'Conner has not been shy in voicing his support for the introduction of an R18+ classification, currently missing from the ratings system for video-games.  He has also made known his frustration in just how long it is taking for reform to be agreed to.

'When making their decision, I urge State and Territory governments to consider the value of the computer gaming industry to Australia's economy, as well as the need to provide better guidance for parents and greater protection for young game players,' Mr O'Connor said.

The Australian Christian Lobby for its part seems to believe that jobs are the latest barrel scraping by R18+ classification supporters, releasing their own statement a short time later.

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