R18+ Legislation Passes The House Of Representatives



R18+ legislation has taken its first tentative steps forward, passing through the House of Represenatives without amendment.

The next step for the bill is the Senate, which will be presented there in the coming weeks.

Jason Clare, Brendan O’Connor’s replacement as Minister for Home Affairs, remained on message, reinforcing the broad messages of his predecessor.

“The R18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play, and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material,” Mr Clare said.

“The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law.”

After a slightly bumpy beginning, with the legislation being sent back to a committee, progress is looking good. The process, however, remains a lengthy one. Once the bill passes through the senate, each state and territory must pass their own legislation in order for an adult classification for games to become a reality.

Still, it’s progress — and progress is good.