fitbabits
11-07-2008, 08:38 AM
Remember this story pertaining to Australia's mooted R18+ rating: (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=1908)
That hope was effectively dashed today when South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson refused to release the already completed study to the public. This essentially takes the issue off the table in Australia, and means no changes to the game rating system is likely in the near term.Well, I'm happy to report that all is not lost. GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6200729.html) is reporting that, following a meeting with the nation's Attorneys-General, the matter will soon be available for public consultation thanks to soon-to-be-released redrafted "discussion paper."
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/r18.jpg
The R18+ Rating
Michael Atkinson, the South Australian Attorney General, had this to say, "I believe the draft discussion paper did not adequately represent both sides of the argument. I voiced my concerns to other Attorneys-General and we reached agreement that some minor changes will be made to the discussion paper."
"I am not opposed to a public debate on the merits of introducing a R18+ classification for electronic games--in fact, I welcome it. But it’s unhelpful to commence that debate with what I believe is a biased discussion paper.
"There is little point in seeking public comment on an unfirm footing that neglects one side of the argument. I look forward to contributing to the development of a fairer discussion paper."
It's refreshing to see this one back on the table. Slamming the door shut on such important legislation was, in my opinion, extremely short-sighted.
That hope was effectively dashed today when South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson refused to release the already completed study to the public. This essentially takes the issue off the table in Australia, and means no changes to the game rating system is likely in the near term.Well, I'm happy to report that all is not lost. GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6200729.html) is reporting that, following a meeting with the nation's Attorneys-General, the matter will soon be available for public consultation thanks to soon-to-be-released redrafted "discussion paper."
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/r18.jpg
The R18+ Rating
Michael Atkinson, the South Australian Attorney General, had this to say, "I believe the draft discussion paper did not adequately represent both sides of the argument. I voiced my concerns to other Attorneys-General and we reached agreement that some minor changes will be made to the discussion paper."
"I am not opposed to a public debate on the merits of introducing a R18+ classification for electronic games--in fact, I welcome it. But it’s unhelpful to commence that debate with what I believe is a biased discussion paper.
"There is little point in seeking public comment on an unfirm footing that neglects one side of the argument. I look forward to contributing to the development of a fairer discussion paper."
It's refreshing to see this one back on the table. Slamming the door shut on such important legislation was, in my opinion, extremely short-sighted.