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Australian Government still silent on R18+ public consultation process

  • By Laura Parker, GameSpot AU
  • Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:03 am PT

Five months since announcing a tentative release date for a discussion paper detailing the R18+ classification for video games debate, the Australian Government remains tight-lipped about its progress.

It’s been several months since any news has surfaced regarding the progress and release of the public consultation discussion paper into the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games in Australia. When pressed, the Federal Attorney-General’s department--which has taken the lead on the issue--has remained quiet, offering no new information about how the public consultation will work or when Australians can expect to see the discussion paper.

Last April, the Censorship Ministers meeting at the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) in Canberra failed to come to a unanimous decision regarding changes and the release of the R18+ discussion paper, prompting then-Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus to take matters into his own hands, announcing his department would take over handling the R18+ public consultation and see to its release.

When GameSpot AU interviewed Debus in April, a proposed deadline of July 31, 2009 was given for the public consultation process. However, Debus was replaced as Minister of Home Affairs by Brendan O’Connor in June as part of a cabinet reshuffle, and since then, no news about the public consultation has surfaced.

GameSpot AU contacted O’Connor this week in the hope of getting some answers. These are his responses.

GameSpot AU: The discussion paper on the R18+ classification for video games in Australia was slated for release to the public in July. It did not go ahead, and we have heard nothing since Bob Debus’s departure. Can you confirm that you are working on releasing this discussion paper? And can you give details on what stage this is at and when it will be released?

Brendan O’Connor: The content of the discussion paper and the timing of its release are under consideration by the Australian Government.

GS AU: Upon its release, how will the discussion paper work? What will people have to do in order to voice their opinions?

B.O: The government carries out public consultations in a variety of ways. The consultation mechanisms for an R18+ classification are being considered.

GS AU: It’s obvious that gamers want the introduction of an R18+ rating in Australia. Do you think the wider community also supports this stance?

B.O: The government is aware of diverse community views on a possible R18+ classification for computer games.

GS AU: Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls said Australia is "out of step" with the rest of the developed world because it does not yet have an R18+ classification for video games. Do you agree with this statement?

B.O: Internationally, there is a range of approaches taken to classification issues. The government looks at overseas models. However, these do not necessarily determine an appropriate approach to Australian policy and legislation.

GS AU: An average of two video games per year are actually refused classification in Australia and therefore banned. Do you believe that the current legislation does a good job of keeping extreme material off the shelves? Do you think not having an R18+ classification means video games are being incorrectly classified in this country?

B.O: In accordance with the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games and the National Classification Code, computer games are classified MA 15+ by the Classification Board if they contain classifiable elements that are strong in impact and justified by context. Computer games, which contain classifiable elements higher than strong and are not suitable for a minor to see or play, are Refused Classification (RC). The National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games also set out other types of material in a computer game, which would warrant an RC classification.

Under the National Classification Code, classification decisions are to give effect, as far as possible, to a set of principles. One of these principles is that minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them. The Classification Act requires the Classification Board to give consumer advice about the content of films and computers games it classifies (other than G classifications, when the Board has the option of giving consumer advice).

This information enables consumers to make informed decisions, including by supporting parents and guardians in selecting material to be viewed by children in their care.

GS AU: Do you believe Australia will see the introduction of the R18+ classification for video games in the next year?

B.O: It is premature to give an indication about when an R18+ classification for computer games could be introduced.

GS AU: Thank you for your time, Minister.

GameSpot AU will continue to cover this important issue as more information on the upcoming public consultation process comes to hand. Check back regularly for updates.

42 Comments

  • Valas_Azuviir

    Posted Sep 18, 2009 10:27 am GMT

    Oh, I know.. Just being cynical with regards to the usefulness of politicians in general, and their ability to actually do something relevant and helpful in society for a change, as opposed to their usual grandstanding, posturing and blathering.

  • jamesh-42

    Posted Sep 18, 2009 12:43 am GMT

    @Valas_Azuviir: the article doesn't say how the minister was contacted.

    If it was in writing (email or paper), then there would be no reason to expect anything other than a carefully worded response that doesn't commit him to anything.

  • Valas_Azuviir

    Posted Sep 17, 2009 9:57 am GMT

    @ isnot-important

    Normally when you toss them a fastball, they tend to fumble a bit, before side stepping and going into their usual blathering mode.

    Not the case here though, this is almost botlike in the immediate response where the answer is rarely even relevant to the question asked.

    Hence my query as to whether or not they actually talked to a RL person or that they got saddled with a bot, pretending to be the politician in charge, because the latter was too busy dining out, expenses will be declared of course, to bother with something as trivial as answering questions about computer games.

    Because everyone knows those are for children and not for any relevant number of adults capable of being an influential voting block.

  • H0rr0rG4m3r

    Posted Sep 17, 2009 1:01 am GMT

    C'MON! Give us the R +18 rating already because Left 4 Dead 2 has now been banned here Down Under. Which really angers me because I was really looking forward to it.

  • Sony_Patriot

    Posted Sep 17, 2009 12:54 am GMT

    Looks like I'm going to have to move to SA and become attorney general. So remember next time elections come around Sony_Patriot has your best interests at heart.

  • smitjones

    Posted Sep 17, 2009 12:38 am GMT

    Ridiculous how they can talk for so long about what is such an obvious decision. Not putting in a R18+ classification only means that people are going to download them illegally or have them gifted over steam or equivalent systems. Making downloading the games illegally is not the outcome that they are looking for, but it's becoming the obvious choice for many people. All they've done is encouraged law breaking by enforcing a stupid law that they're 'talking' about discussing so that they can maybe in the future get an opinion about what should be a clear choice.

    And no, I don't download games illegally.

  • scarecrow025

    Posted Sep 16, 2009 4:30 pm GMT

    @jamesh-42

    i agree, the biggest benefit of an R18 rating will likely see a shift where games like GTA 4 and perhaps even Fallout 3 will receive the higher rating without necessarily seeing any increase in mindlessly violent or "adult" games.

  • thibbledorfP

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 10:55 pm GMT

    Mr. O'Connor gave the standard dry, political response. I am not asking for him, a pollie, to be passionate about the issue, but politicians should atleast be passionate about social justice, legislation and rights. I believe the argument for an R18 classification is not about gamers or emotions/opinions, but about rights. The right of adults to buy games with the same freedom they can purchase movies. This right is being taken away, and there has been no public consultation about it.

  • dr_satan666

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 9:30 pm GMT

    I do agree that some games deserve a ban - that stupid rape game for example, (seriously how does something like that even get conceived?), but games like Manhunt are pure ADULT fun. key word ADULT, hence the appropriated R18+ label. Maybe if they treated R18+ games like selling alcohol and cigarettes. I.D and all that crap.

  • ddt88

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 8:37 pm GMT

    Standard politician answers read from a card. This is the trouble when these things get halted mid stream. Another politician, another view. As usual, no resolution.

  • jamesh-42

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 8:02 pm GMT

    @scarecrow025: I don't think anyone disputes that. They just think that some games that are not suitable for 15 year olds should no be banned.

    I'd also argue that some games like GTA4 that received the MA15+ rating deserve an R18+ rating (even though they've been modified slightly to fit into the existing classification system).

  • scarecrow025

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 7:43 pm GMT

    Getting an R18 rating is no guarantee that games will not be refused classification anyway. Some games really should be banned.

  • alienmlbyrne0

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 7:12 pm GMT

    Surprise, surprise. Face it there isn't ever going to be a discussion paper released, the Australian government is slack and doesn't care about the gaming community.

  • spacemariens22

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 6:25 pm GMT

    bottom line they dont give a crap about gamers and R18+ censorship for video games!

  • dr_satan666

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 4:38 pm GMT

    Can you say ebay???

  • isnot-important

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 4:24 pm GMT

    Valas - Have you never heard someone in the field of politics speak? They are all trained robots with little to no personal thought.

    I like how they say "overseas models" without just plainly saying "Yeah we are copying Germany and being overly-sensitive".

    Unfortunately for the Aus Government, we can (and do) just as easily purchase the game from our next-door neighbour New Zealand.

  • BaronSector posted Sep 15, 2009 3:25 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    BaronSector

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 3:25 pm GMT (hide)

    No R18+ Games!!!

  • Valas_Azuviir

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 2:29 pm GMT

    You guys sure you talked to an actual person? Looks more like the responses you'd get from a bot. If subject A comes up select answer A1, if subject B comes up answer B1, if subject C comes up in conjunction with with additional parameter C-squared then select answer C2 as opposed to C1.

    Doesn't look like he's passing a Turing test any time soon though.

  • 008Zulu

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:46 pm GMT

    All they basically said was stuff we already knew. Maybe we will get R18 as a Christmas present, or maybe they are burying it mountains of legal work so it will never see daylight again.

  • Fragazine

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 9:36 am GMT

    They're trying to censor the internet - what chance do videogames have of becoming more free?

  • Stryker521

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 9:00 am GMT

    lol, Gamespot got stone walled. All of Krudd's Labor lemmings aren't gonna do as anymore good than Howard's Liberal lackeys did. Stuff them all. We'll probably see world wide service of the F-35 before we get a R18+ rating for games. I mean, if it's there for the film industry why not the games?

  • TheSmoj

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 8:27 am GMT

    I've never seen anyone take so long to say nothing!

  • Payback7

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 7:20 am GMT

    Is it me or did he not really answer anything? Anyway I've said it before and I'll say it again - bring in the R18+ rating. Parents need to take responsibility for what their children are playing. And having no R18+ rating is doing more harm in my opinion. Games that are deemed unsuitable are banned - then modified SLIGHTLY and the children still get them into their hands. e.g. Fallout 3 was banned because Stimpaks were called Morphine - what about the bodies that explode when shot! (Not that I'M complaining - best game ever! Give me my Pipboy3000! lol) Anyway - bring the R18+ rating I say. Just a humble gamer in his 20's

  • Roach

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 6:59 am GMT

    You're kidding me aren't you? This is not an interview, this is no reflection on Gamespot because you guys just ask the questions, you have no control over the answers. Though, you could have just posted your questions and left out Brendan O'Connor's answers entirely and we'd know exactly what we know now. I can already tell you now Brendan is in no way a guy who gets things done.

  • nmc1987

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 6:46 am GMT

    i just hope that God of War 3 isnt censored AT ALL

  • rickster34

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 6:32 am GMT

    Oh come ONNNNNN

  • jetstopia

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 6:26 am GMT

    It would be good to get the classification because of the wa gaming has developed into a past time of an older generation. However while there is something like the Wii around for everyone politicians dodge questions and no little about being a gamer (I assume) they are going to interpret games to be a past time of children.
    P.S I own a wii and am 25 and hell yeah I want some mature gaming.

  • spetz_naz_basic

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 5:34 am GMT

    Thank you Mr O'Connor. You have just demonstrated to us all a masterclass in political question dodging. Alternatively: Well played Laura for some brilliant political satire.

    Sarcasm aside, does anyone else suspect that he was reading off (or copy-pasting, if this was by e-mail correspondence) a government policy cheat sheet?

    Every semester before the exams my teachers would ram home the point about answering the specific questions asked instead of spouting off generic responses which you think might have some connection to the general topic concerned. Now I can tell them that doing the opposite could get you into Parliament.

    "IMO, games are being pushed into MA ratings when they should be R."
    @metalisticpain: Nail on head, except it's nothing to do with opinion. It's plain for all (who want) to see that countless games that should get an 18+ rating are in fact being shoehorned into our maximum 15+ category. It's all to do with Atkinson and co's flawed belief that R18+ would suddenly expose minors to a flood of otherwise-banned harmful material, except 99% of said material is already available for sale in this country, incorrectly labeled as MA15+. Parents who don't know better will get these games for their children, and so our government is helping to perpetuate the very danger they so vehemently try to protect against.

  • darthturkey

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 4:59 am GMT

    Why do have to be the only country in the world to be treated like this, every other country has an 18 rating for games, this goverment should learn to.
    There is already a medievil game by the name RISEN to be banned this year due to sexual content and violence.
    Why does this country, the only country to get games banned.

  • diangelogrey

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 4:27 am GMT

    I think its a shame that the goverment still treats video games as something for kids. His answers showed that pretty much, so I doubt he is going to be rushing to get the R18 classification finalised.

  • AussieMonster

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 4:02 am GMT

    Typical useless government answers. This guy has no idea about anything, but thats not new to politics.

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 3:51 am GMT

    i hate Australian politicians. No matter what they'll never give you a straight answer. it almost makes me want to go into politics. anyway does this mean that idiot Attorney-General from SA won't have a say in this?

  • MrFisty

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 3:46 am GMT

    Hooray for safe, bureaucratic answers. Typical politicians giving no insight whatever. If they made a special tax on video games I bet they'd open up an R18 rating quick smart. Until then, there's always eBay.

  • gameking5000

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 3:45 am GMT

    I don't want them to be like Blizzard and never give away answers and just say "once it's done"

  • muffin65

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 3:06 am GMT

    Wow, that answers all my questions! Thank-you so much Brendan O'Connor for those delightful answers!!....not.

    Sorry to be such a flamer, I just don't see them putting any real thought or care into the situation any time soon.

  • Fusion_Master

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 2:57 am GMT

    i dont think ive ever seen so many generic answers piled on top of each other at one time. basically, they arent doing anything, because they dont think its important. coincidentally, the things that the government would probably tell you are considered important, they arent working on either.

  • The_Spoony_Hou

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 1:46 am GMT

    Sexy Poker MUST be released on Australia! Sexy is a right to everyone!

  • badiie05

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 1:06 am GMT

    i only know like one parent who cares about game ratings lol and i know alot

  • metalisticpain

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:55 am GMT

    Nothing. He said nothing the entire interview.

    IMO, games are being pushed into MA ratings when they should be R.

  • barkera0

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:45 am GMT

    Those answers are so vague... typical.

  • morbid_man_guy

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:42 am GMT

    so the guy that was initially sitting on the discussion paper without working on it has been replaced by some OTHER guy who is now sitting on the discussion paper without working on it. I mean, seriously, what's going on here?
    Oh right, yeah. GOVERNMENT.

  • LordRobbo

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:41 am GMT

    Nice to see they weren't just playing the party line there. Lots of candid answers that really throw the whole issue open.

    Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

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