http://www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification

 

Take Special note of the Downloads section to the right, most importantly the Submissions Template and Discussion Paper.

 

Fill out and send in YOUR submission.

 

"The Commonwealth Government has released a discussion paper which

briefly summarises the key arguments for and against an R 18+ classification

for computer games. Censorship Ministers have considered the issue of an

adult classification for computer games on several occasions. However, they

have not undertaken public consultation on this issue.

 

Submissions are being sought on whether the Australian National

Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification category for

computer games. Submissions can be made by downloading and completing

the submission template. Submissions may also be mailed or faxed. The

discussion paper and submission template contain the contact details for

making a submission.

 

Submissions are invited by close of business 28 February 2010. Submissions

received after the due date may not be considered."

Edited December 15, 200915 yr by duanegordon78

They could at least make the form submittable online...

Ya lets hope they act on it as well not just go "well that's interesting" and throw it in the bin. I already did mine earlier through WP so their should be a lot already in, lets make the numbers unarguable and hope for the best.

My comment in the submission. Thoughts before I send?

_______________

With the current restrictions, individuals who would normally buy and R18+ game resort to illegal means of obtaining this game. Such means are readily available and simple to use. Therefore restricting certain games does little for preventing those determined to play the game.

If classification was introduced any minors that would try obtain these games, if prevented, would most likely resort to illegal means and would also most likely do so if a classification were not introduced. So if the aim is to prevent minors from obtaining such games then this aim is obsolete as many would succeed regardless. This is then an unfair punishment for adults who desire to legally obtain such games for the purpose of their enjoyment but cannot because of a lacking classification that does little to stem the illegal trade.

Ultimately, it is up to the parents to guide and control what games are suitable for their children, just like parents must control for suitable television and movies. Parental monitoring would act to prevent the use of illegal means to obtain unsuitable games. With restrictions for buying unsuitable games as well as consistent parental monitoring the likelihood of a minor obtaining an unsuitable game is very slim.

So therefore, the implementation of a R18+ classification represents the government trusting in parents to enforce such restrictions. On the other hands, the lack of a classification implies that no adults in this country can be trusted to enforce restrictions on minors.

I'm making a form submission system now to help get the numbers up. No one is going to fill that form in otherwise.

My comment in the submission. Thoughts before I send? .

 

With the current restrictions, individuals who would normally buy and R18+ game resort to illegal means of obtaining this game. Such means are readily available and simple to use. Therefore restricting certain games does little for preventing those determined to play the game..

- I like that. Although its difficult to reference the argument that gamers are forced into piracy due to classification restrictions, as much of piracy in games exists over and above restrictions. Much piracy exists because of $$$, not government censorship based work arounds. Tho, censorship MAY induce those to seek other means to obtain what they want.

Which is what the OFLC doesnt want (to lose control of classification and market to consumer demographic influence)

 

If classification was introduced any minors that would try obtain these games, if prevented, would most likely resort to illegal means and would also most likely do so if a classification were not introduced...

- Again perhaps a correct premise. But worded such that in order for it to be effective youll need a reference.

 

Ultimately, it is up to the parents to guide and control what games are suitable for their children, just like parents must control for suitable television and movies. Parental monitoring would act to prevent the use of illegal means to obtain unsuitable games. With restrictions for buying unsuitable games as well as consistent parental monitoring the likelihood of a minor obtaining an unsuitable game is very slim...

 

I think this is good. But how do you know it is slim?

They could at least make the form submittable online...

 

There is an email address on the submission template.

Yea references would be great but cbf trying to find them, especially since the uni has locked my access as i'm technically no longer one of their students.

 

I don't know, but it makes sense. It's kinda like smoking... no kid is going to try smoke if their parents are watching. So if parents are constantly watching then access and obtainment should be much lower.

An ill wind is blowing. Last night I was stirred from my slumber by a crow calling three times. Caw... caw... well you know what a crow sounds like. Passing to my window, I trod on a piece of lego. Oh, it went right in the heel. Turning on my television set, I noticed the reception wasn't great. Not terrible, just not great. Hear me well, no good can come of your signing this petition, no good at all.

 

[edit] - pic for maximum dramatic effect...

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq306/McDethWivFries/caw.jpg

Edited December 15, 200915 yr by Heat-seeker

lol @ richmond

 

Rep for mcdethhy

I emailed in a submission today. +1 for a proper game classification system.

i know this maybe what is generally considered a Necromancing , but something relevant has turned up. It would be pointless to create another thread

 

You guys might have seen this on the escapist , i know this as draft ....but it might be promising

 

http://resources.news.com.au/files/2011/05/25/1226062/865826-guidelines-for-computer-games-classification.pdf