ACT becomes first Australian state to prep R18+ legislation

The ACT has become the first Australian state or territory to move forward on the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games.

ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell announced today that the ACT Government will introduce the R18+ legislation in the Legislative Assembly this week in order to allow for the creation of an adult rating category for games once the R18+ amendment bill becomes law on January 1, 2013.

"The ACT Government has been a strong advocate in national discussions on the issue of an R18+ classification for computer games in Australia, and I am pleased to be able to introduce this bill to the Legislative Assembly," Corbell said. "The ACT will be the first jurisdiction to progress a bill giving effect to the Commonwealth's decision to implement the R18+ category in Australia."

The R18+ amendment bill passed the Lower House last week after being introduced in parliament earlier this year by Federal Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare. The bill will now enter the Senate, where it will be voted on in the coming weeks. Once it passes the Senate, the R18+ legislation will become law.

The ACT has been a vocal supporter of the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games in Australia. In April last year, Corbell announced the state's intentions to "prepare options" for the introduction of the rating should other states and territories fail to reach a national agreement on the matter.