The Federal Government has passed legislation through the Senate that will enable the creation of a R18+ age restriction for computer games.

 

The legislation now means that the country’s video game classification are now more in line with existing categories used to classify films as well as bringing the country more into line with international standards.

 

“These are important reforms over 10 years in the making,” Minister for for Home Affairs Jason Clare said.

 

"The R 18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play, and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material.

 

The introduction of an R18+ category for computer games has been the subject of extensive public consultation over recent years.

 

The Attorney-General's Department released a discussion paper on the introduction of an R 18+ classification category for computer games in 2009.

 

They received 58,437 submissions in response with 98 per cent of these supporting the introduction of an R 18+ category.

 

The Bill also has the support of State and Territory Attorneys-General, who agreed to this reform at the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General meeting in July 2011.