This analysis of the available literature shows that:

• there is no conclusive evidence that violent computer games have a greater impact on players than other violent media, such as movies or music videos
• there is stronger evidence of short-term effects from violent computer games, than long-term effects
• some research finds that violent computer games are a small risk factor in aggressive behaviour over the short term, but these studies do not thoroughly explore other factors such as aggressive personality, family and peer influence and socio-economic status.

The introduction of an R18+ classification for video games will be discussed at the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General meeting in Canberra on Friday 10 December.

The literature review is available at www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification

To see the introduction to the campaign, click here

They will be covering some of the submissions that were put forth as part of the Discussion Paper released in December 2009, for example: The Australian Catholic Bishops who were in favour, and the Media Classifiers’ Association of Australia who argue that Australians should be able to read, hear and see what they want.

Plus some Myth Busting about the argument – check the floodgates one, and another Mythbuster that R18+ will result in Children Having Access to Inappropriate Games.

To learn how to write to your representatives, click here

We will continue to follow the Kotaku campaign in the run up to this all important meeting.

Following the initial news that 98.2 percent of the 59,678 public submissions received by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department were in favour of introducing R18+, GameSpot AU has combed the report’s contents to present a detailed summary of the key points.  See here

We are pleased that this issue was included on the agenda for today’s Standing Committee of Attorney’s General meeting. As evidenced in the Attorney General’s status report, there is overwhelming interest and support of the issue, with over 98 per cent of responses in favour of the R18+ classification.

The iGEA has been very supportive of the Government’s commitment to a thorough examination of all of the perspectives on the classification and, along with a wide range of individuals, industry bodies, academics and community groups, the iGEA made its submission as part of what appeared to be an exhaustive and detailed public consultation period. We are somewhat bemused therefore when the Minister stated that Censorship Ministers have “requested further analysis of community and expert views.”

Further, we are concerned that it is noted in the Attorney General’s media release that  “Ministers today agreed that further work needs to be done before a decision can be made.” There is undeniably strong support for the introduction of an adult classification for video games across a wide section of the community. (In fact, the recent petition arranged by GAME illustrates that there is a high level of resonance and support on this issue, with more petitioners engaging in this issue than for the petition opposing WorkChoices.)  Our understanding that this was the very reason for the Discussion Paper launched in December, and call for the Attorney General’s Department to immediately commit to a reasonable and transparent timeline and process to resolve the issue.

         MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS

R 18+ CLASSIFICATION FOR COMPUTER GAMES

CONSULTATION REPORT RELEASED

The Standing Committee of Attorneys General today agreed to release a status report following public consultation about whether Australia’s Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification category for computer games.

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said: “The report released today shows the initial outcomes of the public consultation process which received approximately 60,000 submissions – an overwhelming level of response.”

Preliminary analysis indicates:

• approximately 98 per cent of submissions support an R18+ classification for computer games

• submissions were received individually by email (12 per cent), fax and post (2 per cent), as well as being delivered by retailer EB Games (59 per cent)  and ‘Grow Up Australia’ (27 per cent), and

• a sample of approximately 24,000 submissions shows that while submissions were received in all age and both gender categories, the overwhelming majority were from males aged 18 to 34.

The status report also contains samples of frequent ‘free text’ comments and a summary of arguments raised by 34 community, church and industry groups who lodged submissions.

“It is not just the weight of numbers that need to be considered. It is also the strength of the arguments on each side. That is why Ministers today agreed that further work needs to be done before a decision can be made.”

“This issue is of considerable interest to Australians so the Government is releasing a status report on the consultation to ensure the community is kept well informed of its progress.”

“Censorship Ministers have not yet made a decision on whether or not an R 18+ classification for computer games should be introduced and have requested further analysis of community and expert views.”

“The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department continues to process and analyse submissions from the public consultation, so figures are preliminary and may change as the processing and analysis of submissions continues,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Thank you to the thousands of people who made a submission,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This feedback will play an important role in assisting Ministers to make a decision on this important public issue.”

The status report is available at www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification.

Stakeholder submissions and samples of submissions received from individuals will also be made available on this website.

THE HON BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP

 MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS 

55,000-PLUS SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED ON

R 18+ CLASSIFICATION FOR COMPUTER GAMES

(4 May 2010) Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the more than 55,000 submissions received in response to the R18+ Classification for Computer Games Discussion Paper.

“The response on whether the National Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification for computer games indicates a high level of interest in this issue in the Australian community,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It is good to see that this public consultation has generated so much interest,” Mr O’Connor said

“The submissions received in this consultation process will assist the Commonwealth and other censorship ministers’ consideration about whether an adult classification for computer games should be introduced.

“It is important to note that changes to the National Classification Code require unanimous agreement between the Commonwealth, States and Territories.”

The Attorney-General’s Department will now prepare a report on the consultation for the Standing Committee of Attorneys General.

Information about those submissions that did not request confidentiality will be made public in due course. 

The public consultation which began on 14 December 2009 has now closed.

Contact: Senior Policy and Media Adviser, Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567