An R 18+ Classification for Computer Games

Public consultation

On 14 December 2009, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, released the discussion paper Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games?

The Australian Government's Attorney General's Department received 58,437 valid submissions via email, fax, post and from the retailer EB Games and from the organisation 'Grow Up Australia'.

Please note that the public consultation has closed and the Department is no longer accepting submissions.

A final report containing the final figures from the public consultation is available below. Changes in figures between the status report and the final report are largely caused by updating the figures to include all submissions and removing duplicate and invalid submissions.

Submissions were invalidated where they could not be read (ie an unclear fax), where a submission contained contradictory information (ie said ‘No’ to an R 18+ classification, then wrote comments that directly contradicted this), or where no personal information was provided (and therefore could not be verified as a non‑duplicate submission).

Download the report:

Stakeholder submissions and samples of submissions received from individuals are available below.

Literature review

On 1 December 2010 Minister O'Connor released a literature review of research into whether violent computer games and violent behaviour are linked. This review was prepared by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.

All studies cited in organisational and group submissions to the public consultation were considered, as well as additional submissions that contributed significantly to the debate or were released after the consultation period had closed. All studies date from the period 2000 to September 2010.

Download the review:

National Telephone Poll

On 5 December 2010 Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, released the results of a national telephone poll conducted by independent research company Galaxy research which found 80% support for the introduction of an R 18+ classification for computer games.

The poll covered 2,226 respondents aged 16 years and over from all Australian States and Territories.

The poll asked participants to indicate how strongly they agreed or disagreed with a number of statements relevant to an R 18+ classification, then answer the question ‘Should there be an R 18+ classification category for computer games in Australia?’ These poll questions are included in the report which is available for download.

A wide range of demographics were covered, including; age, gender, capital cities (versus elsewhere), work status, marital status, household income, children under 18 years in the household and level of education (below year 12 and year 12+). Age, gender and location demographics were weighted to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.

Download the telephone poll results:

Telephone poll results [PDF 488KB]

Contact details

If you have any enquiries, please contact the Classification Branch on:

Email: classificationpolicysection@ag.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9289 7100
Mail:
Classification Branch
Attorney-General's Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600