Peter Mares from ABC’s National Interest speaks to the Home Affairs Minster, Brendan O’Connor and iGEA’s CEO, Ron Curry, about the government’s discussion paper on R18+ for computer games.

The program can be heard and/or downloaded here.

Grow Up Australia has an online submission form for the R18+ Games Discussion Paper. This form will let you create a submission for the discussion paper quickly and easily. GUA will have these collated and sent to the Attorney-General’s Department in time for the February 28 deadline.

The online submission forms can be found by clicking here.

The Hon Simon Power, Minister for Justice, announced the release of a Cabinet Paper that outlines the basis of new legislation, which will be introduced to Parliament early next year. This follows a review of section 92A of the Copyright Act 1994.

The main points of the proposal are:

• Right holders will be able to request that internet service providers (ISPs) give alleged infringers notice to stop infringing activity.
• The first notice will inform the account holder that infringing has occurred and is illegal. Two further notices may be sent.
• If infringing continues after three notices, the right holder may seek a penalty of up to $15,000 at the Copyright Tribunal. The amount will be based on the damage to the copyright owner.
• Where serious and continued breaches occur, right holders will be able to go to court to seek a range of remedies, including the suspension of accounts for up to six months.
• Account holders will be able to issue counter notices, and can request a hearing if they feel they should not be penalised.

A copy of the Cabinet Paper is available at http://www.med.govt.nz/s92a-cabinet-paper-p2p

The full version of this article can be found at the New Zealand Government website.

As reported by Simon Tsang at smh.com.au, a popular video game that involves following stepping moves on a special light up mat, has been modified by medical researchers to help the elderly undertake regular exercise.

To read more click here

Professors Lumby, Green & Hartley consider a number of key challenges the Australian Federal Government faces in designing the regulatory framework and the reach of its planned mandatory internet filter. Their report focuses on the scope and nature of content that is likely to be caught by the proposed filter and on identifying associated public policy implications.

The full report is available here.

Today Sunrise asked viewers if they would like to see the introduction of an R18+ Classification in Australia with 95% voting YES.

To see the results click here

With the release of the long awaited discussion paper, the community now has a formal opportunity to have their voice heard on the R18+ classification issue. We have compiled a few tips to help ensure that you make the most of your submission.

1. Carefully read both the Discussion Paper and Submission Template.  For those wanting to do the minimum, the Submission Template allows for an easy way to give feedback to government.  Both can be found here: http://www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification
2. Ensure that your correspondence is measured and clear. Perhaps have your submission reviewed by a friend who can check it for you?
3. Don’t be abusive or offensive – it will undermine your arguments.
4. Remember that you are sending a message to people who may not play or understand games, so don’t use gamer tags – use your name and be respectful with your choice of words.
5. Where possible address the arguments highlighted in the paper itself, and make an effort to contribute to the consultation in a meaningful and positive manner.

Good luck!

Gamers Get an Early Christmas Present with Release of Discussion Paper

Sydney, December 15, 2009 - The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (iGEA) has welcomed the release of a discussion paper on the proposed R18+ classification for video games in Australia. The paper which was released by Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, marks the beginning of a public consultation process that will run until February 28, 2010.

Ron Curry, CEO of the iGEA says that the industry is pleased to have a forum for the arguments to be formally heard and says the paper is well constructed and positions both sides of the argument fairly.

“We’ve had the unusual situation that the debate was initially stifled by South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, who has been a long standing opponent to this classification. We are pleased that the Commonwealth has decided to champion the issue and has agreed to move forward with a formal and structured public consultation process. We will be calling on Mr Atkinson to genuinely consider the range of views that are expressed over the next two months and reconsider his position on the matter.”

To introduce an R18+ classification, it requires unanimous agreement from the State and Territory Censorship Ministers. 
“The adult rating for video games is widely supported across the community, whether it be adults who play video games and want the right to play games that appeal to them, parents who want clear and consistent classifications to help them make the right choices for their family, and for the video games industry in light of technology convergence which is blurring distinctions between different types of media.”

Australia is the only western country in the world without an adult classification, with the maximum rating currently MA15+. The introduction of an adult classification will bring video games into alignment with other forms of media and content that exceeds the guidelines for an R18+ rating will continue to be refused classification.

“There have been some arguments that an R18+ classification will expose Australia to unlimited high level content, and this is simply not the case. Content will still be refused classification if it exceeds the adult rating guidelines that are enforced by the Classification Board.”

*Interactive Australia 09 report by Bond University, based on a random sample of over 1600 households found that the average age of a gamer in Australia is 30 years old. The research also found that almost two-thirds of adults surveyed were unaware that Australia does not have an R18+ classification and 91 per cent of gamers and non-gamers believe the classification should be introduced.

-Ends-

About the iGEA

The Interactive Gaming & Entertainment Association proactively represents companies that publish, market and/or distribute interactive games and entertainment content.  The iGEA aims to further advance the industry and the business interests of its members through informing and fostering relationships with the public, the business community, government and other industry stakeholders.  The iGEA is administered by a Board of Directors and supported by the CEO, Ron Curry.  The iGEA was formerly known as the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA).

For more information, please visit www.igea.net.  

Media Contact

Corrie McLeod
Espresso Communications
Mob: 0419 526 848
Email: corrie@espressocomms.com.au

This afternoon, the Home Affairs Minister, Brendan O’Connor, announced the public consultation on the R18+ Classification for computer games. Following is a copy of his press release:

R18+ Classification for Computer Games Discussion Paper Released

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today encouraged people to share their views on whether an R18+ classification category for computer games should be included in the Australian National Classification Scheme.

“I urge everyone with an interest in this issue to contribute to the discussion so the Government can ensure all community views are considered,” O’Connor said.

“I regularly receive representations from both industry and gamers seeking the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games, as well from as those opposed to its introduction.”

Mr O’Connor stressed that neither he nor the Government had formed a view on whether the Classification Scheme should include a R18+ Classification for computer games.

“We are releasing a discussion paper rather than proposing a change so we have an opportunity to guage all community views n the subject,” the Minister said.

The discussion paper is available at www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification

Interested community members can register their views on the accompanying submission template by email, fax or post. Full address details are available at the web address above.

Submissions close on 12 February 2009.

A copy of the discussion paper can be here.

The Submission Template is here.

Gamers 4 Croydon has just received a reply from the ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, confirming his support for the introduction of an R18+ rating. 

To read the letter, click here