Michael Atkinson Re-Ignites R18+ Debate

Friday, November 7th, 2008

The indomitable Jason Hill over at The Age blog Screenplay is reporting that South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has agreed to make public the discussion paper on the proposed introduction of an R18+ rating for games in Australia.

This backflip comes just over a week after Mr. Atkinson withdrew his support for a public consultation on the issue. Yesterday however, at the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General meeting in Brisbane, Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hull – a long time supporter of the introduction of an R18+ rating – was able to achieve a consensus with fellow ministers. His spokeswoman Meaghan Shaw announced that the paper would be finalised by the end of the year, with a view to Australia-wide distribution.

Although Mr. Atkinson did not reveal why he reversed his position, this is a fantastic first step for the introduction of an R18+ rating in Australia and Mr. Hull is to be congratulated for his diplomacy and forward-thinking. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for the discussion paper in the weeks to come.

Source: “Yes” – minister (Jason Hill, The Age)