THE Norwegian gunman committed such devastation because he was a madman, not because he played violent video games, Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said today.

Mr O'Connor said the Government would not be moved to impose further restrictions on games or films following reforms announced on Friday to tighten up access to some violent and explicit games.

The debate gained fresh impetus with reports that Anders Behring Breivik, 32, accused of killing some 92 people in twin bomb and gun attacks, was fascinated by violent games such as World of Warcraft and Modern Warfare 2 as well as right wing politics.

Mr O'Connor said Australian proposals to reform games classifications had been on the agenda of state, territory and federal attorneys-general for nine years and so this was an historic agreement.

"Because there's a madman who has done just such atrocities in Norway, I don't think means that we are going to close down film or the engagement with games," he told ABC TV.

"Clearly there is something wrong with this person to cause such devastation in Norway. But I'm not sure that the argument goes that as a result of watching a game that you turn into that type of person. I think there is something clearly intrinsically wrong with him."

Mr O'Connor said under the new R18 classification, the 50 most popular adult games could no longer be played by 15-year-olds.

"At the moment the most popular adult themed games that are played only lawfully by adults around the world are played by 15-year-olds here," he said.

That will change as a result of the introduction of the R18 (classification). We will still keep out violent, very violent, sexually violent games. They will be prohibited from access lawfully in this country."