While Australia is slowly trying to move forward and introduce an R18+ rating that will bring the country up to speed with the rest of the world, it seems South Australia has missed the point, with the state planning to ban anyone under 18 from purchasing games with an MA15+ rating.
While John Rau, the South Australian Attorney-General, previously announced plans to abolish the MA15+ rating, a spokesperson has told GameSpot AU that this move will be "a more practical measure.”
"Complementary South Australian legislation [on R18+ for games] is likely to be introduced in State Parliament in May," Rau said.
"However, my long-stated position has been to protect children by creating a clearer distinction between games that may be suitable for children and those that are suitable only for adults."
"Therefore, my intention is that the South Australian legislation will prevent the sale of MA15+ games to minors. This move will give parents greater certainty about the appropriateness of games for their children."
Under current Australian laws, anyone over the age of 15 is permitted to purchase games under the MA15+ classification. However, under this proposed law, games under the MA15+ rating will be restricted for purchase to those over the age of 18.
The introduction of an R18+ rating for games in Australia will allow the sale of games that would otherwise be refused classification or banned to be sold to adults over the age of 18 years. These games are often pushed by publishers to be classified as MA15+, allowing them to be sold to children under 18.
Rau’s office confirmed that they’re hoping the proposed legislation will find its way to parliament as early as next month. The legislation must be approved by the South Australian cabinet first.
