Electronic Frontiers Australia (EFA) today urged state governments to continue the momentum for classification reform, following a lack of agreement by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General to establish an adults-only classification for computer games. Currently, computer games that would be rated above MA-15+ are banned for sale in Australia.
“This is a reform that has overwhelming public support and is long overdue,” said EFA Chair Colin Jacobs. “For over a decade, games have been treated differently to movies, causing dozens of popular titles to be banned in Australia. It’s high time this situation was remedied.”
Changes to the classification code require unanimous agreement by the states. The issue of creating an R-18+ category for games was discussed today at a meeting of Australian attorneys-general, with the state representatives instead agreeing to consult on potential impacts to the MA-15+ category.
“We urge the state governments to listen to their people and remove any obstacles to this reform,” said Jacobs. “The research shows we can give adults the choice to consume entertainment appropriate for them, while actually enhancing the ability to protect children. Seeing this change through is really a no-brainer, and Australians gamers have waited long enough.”
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Below is:
– Background information
– Contact details for media
Background:
* Background on the decision
– http://bit.ly/giMQKA
* Electronic Frontiers Australia
– http://efa.org.au/
About EFA:
Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc. (EFA) is a non-profit national organisation representing Internet users concerned with on-line rights and freedoms. EFA was established in 1994, is independent of government and commerce, and is funded by membership subscriptions and donations from individuals and organisations with an altruistic interest in promoting online civil liberties.
Media Contact:
Mr Colin Jacobs
EFA Chair
Phone: 0402 631 955
Email: [email protected]
Mr Stephen Collins
EFA Spokesperson
Phone: 0410 680 722
Email: [email protected]