The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) was unable to reach a decision yesterday on whether or not an R18+ classification for computer games would be introduced in Australia (the only country in the developed world without an 18+ classification for games), but it did agree to a public consultation process on the issue, prior to their next meeting towards the end of this year.
So no change this time, but no dismissal of the R18+ category either. Will public consultation be able to influence what has always been a very politicized decision?
It certainly presents a great opportunity for students to put together a submission to SCAG arguing for or against the need for a R18+ classification for computer games in Australia - backed up by arguments and evidence in the form of research studies, and supported by theoretical frameworks of media influence.
Victorian A-G, Rob Hulls has already put forward some reasons for regulatory change in announcing the consultation process in a press release today…..
“I believe that censorship laws should strike an appropriate balance between freedom of expression and community concerns about depictions that condone or incite violence, as well as the principle that minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them,”
“While computer games have predominantly been considered the domain of children, the most up-to-date research indicates a steadily growing trend in adult consumers of the product, with the current average age of gamers reported to be 28 years,”
“It seems inconsistent that in Australia, adults are allowed to view ‘adult only’ films which have been classified R18+ by the Classification Board, but not computer games with an equivalent high level content.
“With the increasing convergence between films and games, the different approach to classification principles is difficult to sustain.”
“Recent technological advances mean that with the latest generation of gaming platforms, parents can control their child’s access to appropriate gaming material,”
“At the moment, Australia is out of step with the rest of the developed world on this issue,”
