Australia Finally Creates R18+ Rating for Video Games.

[Art Vandelay]

The new law fulfils the Commonwealth's part of a deal with states and territories to include the new rating in the games classification system.

It was passed last night, without amendments, with bipartisan support.

Previously, the highest rating for computer games has been MA15+, meaning overseas adult-only games are usually banned in Australia or given a lower classification, allowing children to obtain them.

The new laws bring computer games in line with the classification system for films and other material, and make Australia more consistent with international standards.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-19/r18-video-game-rating-passes-senate/4078460

As an Australian, all I have to say is Fucking Finally! Also, suck it Michael Atkinson, you stuffy old git.

[Tolpuddle Martyr]

My country...responding to electronic media in a way that makes sense? 

[Kain]

Okay...who divided by zero here? Fess up.

[Morgenleoht]

...WTF?

I'm in Bizarro land, aren't I? This can't be Australia!

[largeham]

Took goddamn long enough.

[Sylvana]

That is some good new.
Although one must ask how effective the enforcement of such a rating system will be. I have found that many stores don't really bother to enforce age restriction when selling games to children.

[Art Vandelay]

That is some good new.
Although one must ask how effective the enforcement of such a rating system will be. I have found that many stores don't really bother to enforce age restriction when selling games to children.

Quite frankly I don't give a flying fuck what games kids are playing, I just want the government to stop banning and censoring games because some pillock in South Australia has been blocking the creation of an R18+ classification for the past couple of years.

[Lt. Fred]

Almost makes you proud to be Australian.

[SpaceProg]

So... does that mean you'll get to have the demon babies instead of the claw fingers in Silent Hill?

[N. De Plume]

That is some good new.
Although one must ask how effective the enforcement of such a rating system will be. I have found that many stores don't really bother to enforce age restriction when selling games to children.

I think what we are supposed to take from this is not anything about enforcement, but that all those games that used to get banned in Australia, period.

[affirmedatheist]

That is some good new.
Although one must ask how effective the enforcement of such a rating system will be. I have found that many stores don't really bother to enforce age restriction when selling games to children.

I think what we are supposed to take from this is not anything about enforcement, but that all those games that used to get banned in Australia, period.

States still need to pass legislation to bring this into actual effect. I'm betting that at least one of the states won't change theirs, screwing this whole thing up for everyone.

[Morgenleoht]

That is some good new.
Although one must ask how effective the enforcement of such a rating system will be. I have found that many stores don't really bother to enforce age restriction when selling games to children.

I think what we are supposed to take from this is not anything about enforcement, but that all those games that used to get banned in Australia, period.

States still need to pass legislation to bring this into actual effect. I'm betting that at least one of the states won't change theirs, screwing this whole thing up for everyone.

I'll put my bet on Queensland being that state seeing as we've got the LNP in charge...