R18+ games legislation finally hits Federal Parliament

Federal Home Affairs Minister Jason Claire has introduced legislation to create an R18+ classification for computer and video games.

Computerworld reports that the reforms are based on a September 2011 review by the Australian Law Reform Commission, which was the first major review of the classification laws in over 20 years.

Classification reform has long been advocated by the interactive entertainment industry because, unlike other media forms, the current classification system for interactive entertainment does not include an R18+ rating. As a result, any piece of content that fails to meet the criteria for an MA15+ rating is banned in Australia.

If passed, the new legislation will bring classification regime for interactive media in line with the classification system used for other media forms, such as television programmes and movies.

Each of the states and territories will be required to pass enabling legislation before the new classification system comes into force.