Victorian AG raises R18+ doubts

While the Commonwealth Government seems determined to settle the R18+ classification for video games debate by July this year, opposition to the introduction of the adult rating in Australia still exists.

This was made evident last Saturday, with Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark telling Fairfax paper The Age that his government is worried about the proposed guidelines on R18+.

Clark told the paper that he is concerned about the legalisation of games with high levels of violence should R18+ be introduced.

"[This] needs careful scrutiny and public debate," Clark told The Age. "The Coalition Government is very concerned that the draft guidelines currently being proposed by the Commonwealth would legalise games with high levels of graphic, frequent, and gratuitous violence, including violence against civilians and police."

Clark admitted that he welcomed the prospect of some games that are currently classified MA15+ being pushed into a higher classification rating but that this wasn't enough to convince him that R18+ would be a good move for Australia. He told the paper that the community should have a chance to discuss the draft guidelines to see what sort of games would be legalised if R18+ were introduced, even though at this time the guidelines remain a matter of private discussion between the federal, state, and territory attorneys-general.

"The Victorian Government will decide our position based on our assessment of whether the final proposal will adequately protect the community," Clark said.

For more on the issue, visit GameSpot AU's previous coverage.