In yet another great feature by Laura Parker over at GameSpot AU, she checks in with the Labor Party, the Coalition, and the Greens to gauge their views on four important gaming-related issues in an effort to help you decide who will get your vote on August 21. GameSpot is also going to help you make your voice heard, with an e-mail form that you can send directly to your current Federal member letting that member know you’re a gamer and you’re an important part of the political spectrum. So read on to find out each party’s views, and then head on over to their automated form to send your letter and get politically involved!

Check it out here.

The former Premier of Queensland, Peter Beattie, has written an Opinion piece for the Australian lending support to the R18+ debate.  Peter has recognised the contribution that games make to the Australian economy and entertainment in general and suggests it’s time to make an R18+ rating a reality.  To read this piece, click here

As reported on news.com.au, a petition to introduce an R18+ rating for video games has set a new record for the being the largest  ever in Australian history.  The previous record was set by a petition against Workchoices in 2005 which attracted 85,000 signatures.

Retailer GAME has lead the campaign along with gaming website PALGN to create an R18+ rating for interactive gaming titles in Australia.  In 8 weeks, more than 89,000 people had signed the petition.  To read more click here.

Following is a press release from the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minsiter for Home Affairs dicsussing the R18+ Classification submission process (although somewhat vaguely):

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

Everythig you need to know about video game classification in Australia

If you’re an Australian and you’re a gamer, then you’re probably already aware that game classification in this country has some problems; namely, that the lack of an R18+ rating means any title deemed unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15 is refused classification, which effectively bans that game from sale. But do you know why Australia doesn’t have an R18+ rating? Who’s to blame? Why do we need an adult rating for games? What do the opponents of an R18+ say? And what can you do about it? This GameSpot AU feature aims to answer all your questions, and more.

Jump over to the GameSpot AU FAQ here.

For the latest coverage on the R18+ issue check out here.

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.

South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says he welcomes the challenge from the Gamers 4 Croydon party at next year’s state election. Meanwhile, party founder David Doe says he is looking to expand his campaign beyond Croydon to enable all South Australians to show their support for an R18+ classification for games.

David Wildgoose continues the story on David Doe’s Games 4 Croydon election campaign here at Kotaku.

Established in the wake of the controversial banning – and subsequent censorship – of Left 4 Dead 2, the Gamers 4 Croydon party plans to run against South Australian Attorney-General and R18+ videogame opponent Michael Atkinson in next year’s state election. David Wildgoose from Kotaku caught up with party founder David Doe to discuss those plans.

To read David’s full article at Kotaku take the jump here.

THE long-running debate on an adult rating for games in Australia may have been shut down by South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson.

The debate was renewed last March when the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) agreed to public consultation on an R18+ games classification.

However Mr Atkinson has rejected plans to publish the consultation results, effectively shelving the discussion process.

Read the Full Story at news.com.au

Sydney, Australia – 28 March 2008 – The Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) has welcomed the news that the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) has agreed to public consultation in regards to the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer and video games in Australia. 

Ron Curry CEO of the IEAA says, “We believe this public consultation will ensure that the Classification Act better reflects contemporary community standards and attitudes. Our belief is that good legislation comes from a reflection of community sentiment, and we wholeheartedly support the process that Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls is outlining as it gives us the opportunity to move the R18+ classification for computer and video games into the public forum for discussion.” 

“Since the creation of the computer and video games scheme in the mid 1990s, the community attitude towards an R18+ classification has only been tested once – during the guidelines review in 2001/02. 

“Community response to the guidelines review in 2001/02 was strongly in support of an R18+ classification for computer and video games and research by Bond University in 2005 and 2007 also indicates that the Australian community strongly supports an R18+ classification for computer games.” 

“The IEAA maintains that the introduction of an R18+ classification will more accurately reflect the true nature of people who enjoy interactive entertainment. 70 per cent of people using computer and video games are aged 18 and over, while 20 per cent are 39 years and over. It seems amiss that Australian gamers are prevented from playing games adults in other countries can freely access.” 

The IEAA believes that the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer and video games will harmonise the national scheme, mirroring the classifications for films and magazines. This will provided a consistent and uniform system, allowing consumers to make educated and informed decisions on their entertainment choices, regardless of the medium or delivery method. 

In Summary

The Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) believes that the introduction of an R18+ classification is essential to: 

• Future-proof the computer and video games industry in light of technology convergence which is blurring distinctions between different types of media;

• Cater to the rising age of computer and video game players in Australia, allowing adult gamers to be treated as such and have broad choice in the types of games they play;

• Provide parents with a complete toolkit to manage children’s game playing; and

• Bring Australia into alignment with the rest of the world.

www.ieaa.com.au