South Australia To Restrict Sale of MA15+ Games To Those Over 18



South Australia plans to restrict the sale of MA15+ games to 18-year-olds, according to a report by GameSpot Australia.

The bill for an R18+ rating has passed the Lower House and, if it passes the Senate, it will be up to individual states to determine how they wish to implement the adult rating for video games.

A spokesperson for South Australian Attorney-General, John Rau told GameSpot AU that he intends to introduce a “complementary South Australian legislation” that restricts the sale of MA15+ games to adults over 18. Rau said that this was a more practical measure than his previous intention to remove the MA15+ rating altogether.

“…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,” Rau said.

“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.”

Rau said that if the law is implemented, it will be policed at a retail level. If the legislation is approved by the South Australian cabinet, it could be brought to parliament as early as next month.

[GameSpot AU]