Before an R18+ adult rating for videogames can be introduced in Australia, Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor believes that more feedback from the community is needed.
O’Connor’s view, as detailed by GameSpot, comes after a pair of wildly successful petitions backed the introduction of an R18+ rating tier.
O’Connnor, who had previously attributed the R18+ petition support to “interest groups,” echoed that sentiment again, saying that the government still needed to hear from the “silent majority” on the subject.
Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA) President Ron Curry, had taken issue with O'Connor's comment, responding, “I’m not sure how the [Home Affairs] minister pigeon-holes them as an 'interest group', because gamers cover all facets of society.”
This time around, the Minister stated:
Ministers are aware of the support for the proposal shown by the number of submissions received. However, they are also aware of the wide range of views on this issue in the community.
Ministers have made a commitment to discuss the issue at a future meeting and have requested further analysis of community and expert views to better understand the arguments on each side.
Some good news for R18+ supporters anyway, the issue is still on the agenda of November’s Standing Committee of Attorneys-Generals (SCAG) meeting.
Comments
Re: AU Minister: We Need More Public Feedback on R18+
From the SCAG website "
The next SCAG meeting is scheduled for 9-10 December 2010 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory."Re: AU Minister: We Need More Public Feedback on R18+
Wouldn't the silence of the "silent majority" be all the input they need? If they are silent on the issue, it is most likely because the topic is of no interest to them regardless of the outcome.
E. Zachary Knight
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
http://www.theeca.com/chapters_oklahoma
E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
OK Game Devs
Random Tower
Re: AU Minister: We Need More Public Feedback on R18+
I wonder how he would feel if elected positions (like his?) were not approved until "the people that didn't vote" were heard from?
Re: AU Minister: We Need More Public Feedback on R18+
He's elected to his seat by the people in his electorate, but his position is chosen by the prime minister. Sort of aggravating that essentially illiterate moronic dweebs can be given positions controlling the technological direction of my society without passing competancy exams on them, all due to power plays in back rooms.
We have compulsory elections, so those who are enrolled to vote and don't show up are liable for fines. Those who show up and decide to not vote, while legal, well they've waived their vote for that term so they were heard from in a way.
Anyone have a link for public submissions? I might start grass rooting the issue and motivate a few parent groups I know.
Re: AU Minister: We Need More Public Feedback on R18+
can you use the Picture Deaf Politicans area that if a politican shows his utter stupidity in a article
Watching JT on GP is just like watching an episode of Jerry springer only as funny as the fights
America has just became its own version of the Jerry Springer Show after a bizarre moment in Florida involving a carnival worker.
Re: AU Minister: We Need More Public Feedback on R18+
Havent they had enough people rallying for this R18 rating? How could they need more? They had game stores with BIG posters about it and discussion in newspapers, news and TV?