A recent article reports that the discussion paper on whether Australia should introduce an R18+ rating for video games is not likely to be released.
Australia is the only Western country without an R rating for computer and video games. If a game is deemed unsuitable for MA15+ by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, it is refused classification and cannot be sold. Titles including 50 Cent, Bulletproof, Postal 2, Leisure Suit Larry, NARC, Singles, Blitz: The League, and Manhunt have all been refused classification in recent years. In 2008 alone, four game titles have been banned: Silent Hill, Fallout 3, Dark Sector and Shellshock 2. (Edit: as Liam points out, Fallout 3 was edited in response to the Australian ban, and has since been released in a cut down form here and worldwide.)
According to recent surveys, the average age of gamers in Australia is around 30 years old. The lack of an R18+ rating for games hurts both Australian adults and Australian developers.
An R18+ classification would require the unanimous support of all Attorneys-General, and in the past moves to change the current classification have been blocked on the vote of a single state Attorney-General. This appears to have happened once again. EFA has now launched a campaign to help Australian gamers to lobby their Attorney-General. It is our hope that public discussion on this issue will not be stifled by the unsupported views of one politician.