Video/computer games classification a part of new censorship laws

23/3/95

A classification system for video and computer games is included in Western Australia's new censorship laws Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes said today.

Mrs Edwardes, who is responsible for censorship matters in WA, said a classification system was necessary as video and computer games often contained extreme acts of violence, sexual violence and the portrayal of racist material.

"It is our duty to protect young children from these types of games," Mrs Edwardes said.

"A classification system similar to that which applies to films and videos has been developed for these games by the Commonwealth Office of Film and Literature Classification in consultation with State Censorship Ministers and Officials.

"The rating system will have G, M, MA and RC classifications as well as an extra classification - G8 - which will apply to computer games recommended for children under the age of eight.

"Computer games will be refused classification - RC - if they contain depictions of realistic violence, simulated or explicit sex or sexual violence, use sexually explicit language or promote racial or religious hatred.

"This classification reflects the concern expressed by child psychologists about the impact of even very mild levels of violence on children too young to distinguish between fantasy and reality when playing these games."

The WA Government will not permit RC rated video games to be sold or made available in WA and games classified MA will not be allowed to be available in amusement arcades.

Mrs Edwardes said there was an urgent need for the consolidation and updating of all State's censorship laws and drafting had already begun.

It was expected a new Censorship Bill would be introduced into the next session of State Parliament.

Commonwealth legislation had just been passed which allowed for the Commonwealth Censor to classify video and computer games Australia-wide.

"However, WA still retains a power of veto over any classifications and will make all decisions in terms of what games would be available for use in amusement parlours," Mrs Edwardes said.

"All new games will be required to be submitted for classification and any games already on the market prior to the introduction of the system will be able to be recalled and classified if they contain any contentious material

"All games will be clearly labelled with their assigned classification so the public, particularly parents, can easily identify whether they are suitable for the person who will be playing them.

"I am keen to see the classification system begin as soon as possible so we have the appropriate checks in place to deal with the rapid advances in computer game technology which has resulted in the potential for increasingly realistic depictions of violence and sexual activity.

"I intend to monitor the situation very closely."

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy  (09) 222 9595/421 7777/325 8655