WA politicians criticise R 18+ for games

Some West Australian politicians say introducing an adults-only classification for games will expand moral boundaries and make it difficult to monitor games children play.

Game fans have been lobbying for an R 18+ rating for several years, arguing it would allow for more mature themes in games and ensure fewer adult games were given MA 15+ ratings.

At the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General meeting in Adelaide on Friday, all states and territories, except NSW, gave in-principle support for the classification change.

NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith abstained from the vote, saying the matter would have to be taken to the cabinet for a decision.

Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said having an R 18+ classification was a "practical" and "popular" policy.

"The introduction of an R 18+ classification for computer games will provide better advice to parents and help prevent children and teenagers from accessing unsuitable material," he said.

"Once introduced, the new classification will also afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults."

After the draft guidelines are approved by state cabinets, the Commonwealth will begin drafting the legislation to introduce the new classification.

However, the idea will face some opposition in the WA cabinet with Mental Health Minister Helen Morton signing a petition in February 2010 against the classification change.

WA member for Swan Hills, Frank Alban, who also signed the petition, told AAP he did not see the sense in having an R 18+ classification for games that simulated rape and other extreme violence.

"The morality boundaries are being expanded ... nothing good can come out of it," he said.

"Exposure makes something that's not acceptable now acceptable."

Mr Alban said he believed the move was a way for game producers to widen their market and make more money.

Member for Southern River, Peter Abetz, who also signed the petition against the classification change, told AAP he was disappointed with the decision.

"It will depend on what goes into the classification, and I'm not sure where the lines will be drawn," he said.

"If some games that are currently legally sold in Australia are moved into that category (R 18+), it may not be all bad.

"I still have concerns though because games are so hard to control in terms of who has access to them."

Mr O'Connor said the guidelines would ensure games containing high-level violence were restricted to adults.

Games containing extreme violence will continue to be refused classification and be banned from sale altogether, he said.