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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-11-28 Daily Xml
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COMPUTER GAMES CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK

Mr ODENWALDER (Little Para) (15:00): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General inform the house—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr ODENWALDER: Can the Attorney-General inform the house about the upcoming changes to the way computer games are classified in South Australia?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:00): This month, the South Australian parliament passed the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (R18+ Computer Games) Amendment Bill 2012. This new law will allow for the new R18+ classification framework to be in on 1 January next year.

As members would be aware, Australia has not had a classification category for games that are intended for adults. We know that, for many years, the local gaming industry has faced a situation where Australia's classification laws were out of sync with those of many other countries. The new R18+ classification brings Australia into line with classification systems overseas. Overall, the laws are the result of 10 years of negotiations between the commonwealth, the state and the territories and follows a comprehensive consultation period.

As part of this process, there was overwhelming support from the public and industry for the introduction of an R18+ classification. From 1 January 2013, games that are classified as R18+ overseas should no longer need to be modified in an attempt to fit within the MA15+ classification in South Australia, which is the case at the current time.

This has previously been a costly exercise for the local gaming industry and put it at a competitive disadvantage to retailers overseas. On many occasions, gaming companies have had to modify their games a number of times before eventually being approved. Indeed, this has created a situation where consumers are purchasing their games on the internet from overseas rather than spending money in Australia at local retailers because of the absence of an R18+ classification in this country.

Games that fit within an R18+ classification will be properly restricted to adults and will lower the risk of games that contain high levels of violence being available to minors. However, the house should note that those games that do not come within the national classification guidelines for 18+ games will still be refused classification. This principle, which is consistent with that which is applied to films, has not changed.

For those interested, the federal Minister for Home Affairs (Hon. Brendan O'Connor) advised me last year that games such as Porntris, Sexcapades, Wander Lust and Immoral Kumbat will continue to be refused classification.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: You find that risible? Furthermore, national guidelines to come into effect from 1 January 2013—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Should I start again? Furthermore, national guidelines to come into effect from 1 January 2013 will also bring in new criteria for MA15+ games. These include:

strong and realistic violence should not be frequently or unduly repetitive;

sexual violence is not permitted; and

sexual activity and nudity must not be related to incentives or rewards.

As a result of these changes, some games that have previously been classified as MA15+ could now be subject to an R18+ classification. This will ensure that games that are really unsuitable for minors to play are properly and correctly classified as adult material. Overall, these changes strike the right balance, allowing adults reasonable access to games and protecting minors from being exposed to inappropriate material.

This government recognises the importance of supporting local industry through reasonable and responsible measures because this government supports and cares about local jobs. This is a very, very positive move for South Australia.

The SPEAKER: Thank you, minister, your time has expired. Member for Unley.

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