R rating for games dismissed as 'porn'

By Chloe Lake, Technology Editor

Feb 29, News.com.au

THE head of Australia's videogames industry body says there is a way to solve the R18+ videogame rating issue but the South Australian attorney-general has dismissed it as "pornography".

Ron Curry, chief executive of the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia, said an R18+ rating could still be introduced into federal legislation.

The issue will be discussed for the first time since 2005 at the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) next month.

South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has reaffirmed his opposition to an R rating, which would prevent the full consensus required for legislative change.

However, Mr Curry said a classification can still be banned in one state even if it is permitted in Australia.

"In Queensland, they don't allow X-rated publications," he said

"Although it is legal federally."

Read more this news quote

photo: Illicit pixels ... a promo image for Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness, rated M in 2003 / Eidos interactive