New South Australian AG chosen

When former South Australian attorney-general Michael Atkinson stepped down from his portfolio last weekend, gamers around Australia breathed a sigh of relief. Atkinson has been the most vocal opponent of the introduction of an R18+ rating for video games in Australia, and many gamers saw him as the only person standing in the way of an adult rating for games in the country. But despite his resignation, the R18+ cause is not won, because all of Australia's state and federal attorneys-general still need to unanimously agree on its introduction.

With Atkinson stepping down, attention has now turned to South Australia's next attorney-general, a person who may very well be a key figure in any future R18+ discussions. South Australian premier Mike Rann has this afternoon revealed who the new minister will be--former backbencher and Enfield member John Rau.

Rau has been a member in Enfield since 2002 and, like Atkinson, is a trained lawyer. According to the South Australian ALP Web site, Rau is married with three children and is a keen gardener, a cook, and an avid reader of nonfiction. Little is known about Rau's views on gaming.

Stay tuned to GameSpot AU for more information on Rau as it comes to hand.

UPDATE: While Rau himself has yet to officially comment on the R18+ issue, other sources are already claiming the new Minister is pro-gaming. According to Gamers4Croydon president Chris Prior, the gaming-focused political party is of the opinion that Rau supports an R18+ rating for games.