As far as politicians go, Kate Lundy is one of our favourites, a position solidified last night by her decision to table the 89,210 strong petition for an R18+ video game rating.
As Mark over at Kotaku outlines, the move to table the petition shows that the adult classification is reaching the ears of some politicians, and hopefully this added exposure in parliament will put the required pressure on the Attorneys General to get off their backsides and adjust the classification system.
You can read Lundy’s entire speech here, but I think this one sums up the issue nicely.
Firstly, it is worth noting that we already have an R18+ classification for films. This classification is important as it gives parents clear guidance on what is appropriate for their children and teenagers. As a parent I know there is a peace of mind when selecting films for my family’s enjoyment, to know that there is a robust classification system. The classification system informs my choices and helps me assess suitability and age appropriateness for my children.
The absence of an R18+ computer games classification creates something of a grey area for parents. There is limited guidance for parents or young people, creating a risk where games are purchased that they are not suitable.
[via Kotaku]
matt
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 2:52 PMwow. That is awesome!
my faith in politics is some what restored by her.
not a slick speaker, stands up by her genuine and well-founded arguments. who would have thought… in a politician…
“Computer games targeted specifically at adults are often moved into the Australian MA15+ games classification theoretically with some edits and there is concern that young people, ie: under 18s, may be able to circumvent these modifications, gaining access to content which is not necessarily age appropriate.”
Like L4D2 where a simple edit of a text file will give you access to the unrestricted version. something you HAVE to do even if you don’t want the violent content, just to be able to play the game with international players.
She knows what she’s talking about.
If only all politicians were like her.
Chris Guerin
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 3:09 PMFinally, a politician who is doing something for the benefit of the people. Why can’t all politicians be like her?
Sam
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 3:38 PMKate Lundy is the sort of politician that I wish I could vote directly for. She listens to the community and will change her policies directly related to that (the great firewall of Australia was a good example of that if you read her blog), is actually up to date with modern times (ie. today’s information world based in IT) unlike the old fuddy duddies that haven’t moved with the times (and try to pretend they have).
Thumbs up and glad to see her taking part in this R18+ rating for video game cause.
Roland Kulen
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 12:24 PMI want to acknowledge Senator Lundy and her ICT policy advisor, Pia Waugh, for their passion and professionalism in light of what the “GAME / PALGN / EveryonePlays” R18+ campaign stands for – Protect Children from Mature PC and Video Games. While we hit a milestone, Rob Lukic and I couldn’t have done it without their openness, commitment and forward thinking. We also need to thank the GAME staff and all the mums and dads that signed our petition. Roland Kulen
Tom
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 4:06 PMLundy for PM? She’s got 89,210 votes pretty much printed there in front of her.
Michael
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 4:07 PM=)
I’m not sure though if economic arguments should be brought up in such a case, though.
The major players against 18+ argue harmful damage, and to counter that with, “It will be better for the economy,” is not a good way to counteract this argument.
The stat that was brought up here about x% of MA15+ games being rated higher overseas is the most damning statistic in this case.
Rob
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 4:27 PMYet again showing she should be the one with the IT portfolio.
olearymo
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 5:39 PMGo Lundy!
I call for her to somehow backstab Conroy and shove him out a window.
matt
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 6:57 PMpfft, as if being a voter matters… you’ll need to buy a mine before you have ANY say in what labor does…