Former censor weighs in on classification debate

posted by Chris Prior, 24 Feb 2010
Paul Hunt is a former Deputy Director of the Classification Board and OFLC. He spent 6 years in that post, and is a parent of gamers, a child of gamers, and a gamer himself. He has submitted a 17 page response to the Federal Discussion Paper on R18+ classification. It's a worthwhile read, from someone who has vast experience in the field and a common-sense approach we can only hope will rub off on others.

Yes, that other.

Below are some excerpts from Mr Hunt's submission.

It is also insulting to me as a parent to suggest that I am not competent enough to manage access to computer games in the same way that I manage access to other adult content or products.

I doubt the competence of persons who continue to make the decision to exclude an R18+ from our National Classification Scheme.

Despite the assertions from some commentators, an R18+ classification would not result in the increased availability of, or accessibility to, games containing excessive violence or sex. Material within the R18+ classification must be strictly limited with permissible content set out in the classification guidelines consistent with film.

However, the arguments against an R18+ classification consist largely of unsubstantiated emotional outbursts, and it is disappointing that they have been included in a document designed to elicit measured responses.

Any assertion that an R18+ classification for computer games would permit sexual abuse, criminal activity and extreme violence is misleading.

Using [NARC and Blitz: The League] as an example of the content that would be available in an R18+ classification for computer games suggests a deliberate attempt by the commentator to mislead the community, or alternatively a complete lack of understanding of the requirements of the Classification Guidelines.

Of even greater concern is the fact that Mr. Atkinson does not understand that most Australians are gamers, and therefore the majority of the population is familiar with game content ... Whilst Mr. Atkinson may wish to marginalise gamers, and put down the knowledge of all Australians, I trust the Government will accept all submissions at face value as representative of the Australian community's feelings on this issue.

The Government has only asked the Australian community on one previous occasion if they would like an R18+ classification for computer games, as part of the 2000/2002 guidelines review. The answer then was an emphatic "YES". During the decade since the question was last asked, research and polls have indicated overwhelming community support for the introduction of an R18+ classification.

There is a need to follow South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson's advice on a recent similar issue regarding the rights and freedoms of Australians - an attempt to restrict political comment on the internet: "When one gets public opinion wrong, as I did, one has to change one's mind."

The close of submissions is the end of February, so if you haven't already, make your voice heard.

We game, we vote.

My name is Chris Prior, and I'm a Gamer4Croydon.