This is just sad, sad garbage. Australia is to remain the only developed nation in the world without an 18+ age rating after proposals to lift the MA15+ cap have been soundly rejected by South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson.
Atkinson had agreed to debate the matter of an 18+ rating earlier this year, despite voicing strong misgivings against it. Australian Attorney-Generals opened discussion on this matter in March, but they have gone nowhere. Australia will continue to see videogames strongly edited or outright banned.
It would seem that Atkinson is the sole wrench in the works on this one. Despite wide support for a new rating from most Attorney-Generals, it can only happen with a unanimous vote, something that will not happen while Michael Atkinson continues to have his Draconian way.
Australian gamers who have to put up with all sorts of BS at least know who to blame now. It is thanks to Atkinson that videogames and their consumers are being treated with such disrespect. Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia went as far as to accuse Atkinson of “censoring the debate on censorship,” with regards to his refusal to discuss the matter any further. Reports also suggest that the lack of an 18+ rating is actually embarrassing Australian politicians.
Atkinson is clearly unpopular and a source of national humiliation. He is making countless people upset for the sake of his misguided viewpoint and I think that’s rather pitiful indeed. Doesn’t sound like the man’s fit for his position.
Published: Nov 1, 2008 10:46 am