The Federal Government has introduced legislation before parliament that, if passed, will see the introduction of an R 18+ category for video games.

 

“The public consultation that was conducted over the past two years showed a lot of public support for this reform,” Minister for Justice Jason Clare wrote in a blog.

 

“In 2009 the Attorney-General’s Department received 58,437 submissions about the introduction of an R18+ category. 98 per cent of these supported the introduction of an R 18+ category.”

 

Currently, the highest legally available classification category for video games is MA15+, which has often resulted in the banning or censoring of released products.

 

“The new R 18+ category will inform gamers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play and prevent minors from being able to purchase them,” Mr Clare said.

 

“The Federal Government has worked together with State and Territory Governments on this issue and they will also introduce laws which complement the Federal laws.”

 

The legislation, if passed, will come into effect on 1 January 2013.