Inquiry into R18+ finds overwhelming support for pass

An inquiry by the Australian House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs into the R18+ classification bill has been returned - and the committee recommends that the House of Representatives pass the amendment.

The inquiry was requested by the Coalition after the classification bill was entered into Parliament two weeks ago on Wednesday 15th of February, as they felt not enough consultation had been made. As the inquiry points out however, extensive public consultation has been underway since 2009, with telephone surveys and write in submissions by the public and industry professionals.

Furthermore, the committee believes it would not be worthwhile to undertake further public consultation, stating:

Given the amount of evidence obtained thus far, the Committee does not consider it necessary to duplicate the extensive public consultation processes that have already been conducted. Moreover, the public should not be called on to make submissions to multiple inquiries on the same topic.

This is of course excellent news, although it should be a given - as even the committee points out:

The Committee further notes that the Bill’s aim is not controversial. Rather, it seeks to align the existing classification system for computer games with the system that applies to films.

And yet we still aren't out of the water. Hopefully however, with the committee stating in plain English what everyone bar the politicians seemed to understand we are ever nearing our goal of being treated like adults. You can read the full report at the Parliament of Australia website right here.