Senator Brian Harradine has moved to stop the introduction of a Restricted (or 'R') classification for computer games.
Harradine, Independent Senator for Tasmania, yesterday tried to undermine the findings of the Office of Film and Literature Classification's (OFLC) public consultation process, undertaken as a part of a review of its classification guidelines.
Dr. Jeffrey Brand, who was appointed the task of assessing submissions from members of the gaming, media and religious groups, recommended that the government simplify game classification guidelines by making them consistent with those for film. He proposed that M and MA 15+ categories be replaced by a G13+ rating to make way for the R category.
Senator Harradine said the terms of reference underpinning the Brand's assessment were "too narrow" and shouldn't form the basis of "the general policy that should be adopted by the government".
In addition to attacking the validity of the assessment, he asked fellow Senator Chris Ellison to outline the government's attitude to the proposal.
"Because of the interactive nature of these games, won't they enable the person operating the game to in effect control the violent activities of realistic human characters on screen?" he asked.
Ellison disputed Senator Harradine's criticism of the consultation process.
"My brief advises me that there were 372 submissions to the made to Dr. Brand. Nonetheless, I will convey Senator Harradine's concerns to the Attorney-General," said Ellison.
The OFLC has been in a process of reviewing its classification guidelines since August 2001. The introduction of the adult category would lift restrictions banning the sale games that contain material that could only be viewed by adults if depicted in cinemas.
Senator Harradine is concerned that the new rating system will increase childrens' exposure to violent and pornographic material.
"There are some concerns out in the community about the introduction of the new classification," said a spokesperson for Senator Harradine. "It means that some of these games will be able to fall into the hands of children."
Ellison summed up the problem faced by the OFLC. He said that a single CD might contain both a computer game and film "yet there are two different classification systems".
At the heart of the dispute the Brand report notes a conflict between adults' freedom to consume material they wish versus the need to protect children from material that may harm them.
Advocates of the adult game rating contested assumptions that gamers are predominantly children. They presented research suggesting the average age of computer game players is 22 years old.
The OFLC will refine its assessment process and present a revised set of guidelines to ministers in mid-2002.
I have two major problems with Mr Harradine's comments;
Firstly, Game classification is designed so young'uns can't get access to MA, & R rated material, its a protection scheme so retailers can prevent unsuitable material getting to the wrong hands. It sure beats havng games banned.
Secondly, I have seen much much much more graphic material on videos. Hannibal for example. Or American Psycho. These movies don't make me want to go out and kill people. Does Mr Harradine even know what a computer is? I think he's just against it because he has to stick his 2c in. I for one am sick of his meddling...