AG's defer vote on video game R18+ Classification

Mike Bantick
Friday, 10 December 2010 15:11

Your IT - Entertainment

Looks as if Australian parents and gamers hoping for the introduction of an R18+ Classification for video games will need to wait a bit longer for a decision from the Department of Attorneys-General.  Reportedly the sticking point is the West Australian AG delaying his vote.

It is getting late in the day for a decision on the introduction of an R18+ Classification for video-games in Australia.  Today was the day all state, territory and commonwealth Attorneys-General got together to discuss the issue.

The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) meeting was very likely to vote on the matter, with any change in the law requiring unanimous agreement amongst the group to ratify.  If passed , Australia would be the last of the developed nations in the world to include an R18+ classification over and above the current MA 15+ most mature rating for video games.

But it looks as if the vote has been delayed.   IGN is reporting that 'Representatives for Western Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter - the most recent vocal opponent to a classification overhaul, have reported he will not vote today. Instead, it is reported that Porter will spend time considering the issues and the SCAG will presumably reconvene at a later date.'

Likewise a call to the office of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association has confirmed the delay, but currently its CEO and spokesperson, Ron Curry is locked away awaiting an outcome.

iTWire will provide an update as the situation changes.