R18+ Petition breaks Australian record

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

According to PAL Games Network, the EveryonePlays campaign calling for the government to introduce an R18+ games rating has generated a very positive response. Over 89,000 signatures has been collected, breaking the 2005 “abolish WorkChoices” campaign of 85,000. This does not include those submissions made online.

When the next SCAG meeting takes place in Melbourne on May 7, will this be enough to convince all attorney-generals to agree to the new rating?

John Rau and the R18+ issue

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

When Michael Atkinson stepped down from his position as South Australian attorney-general, his replacement, John Rau, previously told Gamers4Croydon of his support for R18+ games. However, he tells GameSpot that he intends to listen to both sides of the argument before making an official decision.

“I have no preconceptions about this issue and intend to listen to the arguments. I can neither support nor wisely argue against a position if I am not aware of the relevant factors.

“It is worth noting that ultimately, the decision does not rest with me alone. Any change would require the support of each jurisdiction’s attorney-general.”

Although Rau’s decision doesn’t look promising when it comes to introducing an R18+ games rating, it is much better than Atkinson’s constant rejection of an overhaul of the classification system, as well as his refusal to thoroughly research the issue.