Some of you may have already discovered this, but it seems the glee we experienced over the possible R18+ rating for video games may have been a tad premature.

While the topic will still be discussed at the upcoming Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (to be held on March 28th), the controversial classification update is still being argued against by at least one, very vocal, state attorney-general - Mr. Michael Atkinson, the South Australian Labor minister.

...and of course, this is a problem, as any changes to the classification system need to be agreed on by the Commonwealth and all the state and territory attorneys-general.

A spokesperson for Mr. Atkinson confirmed recently that he will continue opposing the change to the system. Even promising to put measures in place to prevent children being exposed to adult content is not enough to change his mind.

"The Attorney-General remains very firmly opposed to introducing an R rating for computer games in Australia ... He doubts whether any safeguards could be put in place to deter young people, who after all (are) the most computer literate and savvy in our society, from being able to access material."

It's worth noting that Mr. Atkinson did not make his opinion known on restricted classifications for films, books or other publications.

Refused Classification: Blitz: The League

With its lack of adult classification, Australia is a very definite minority worldwide, being the only developed democracy that does not have a rating higher than MA15+ or equivalent. Understandably, the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) is calling to "bring Australia into alignment with the rest of the world", with a more consistent classification system, as illustrated in this statement: "Harmonisation of the national classification scheme will provide Australians with a consistent and uniform system ... (This) will allow consumers to make educated and informed decisions on their entertainment choices, regardless of the medium or delivery method. "It will provide parents with a complete toolkit to manage children's game playing." More than 50 percent of Australian gamers are older than 18, with an average age of 28, according to a 2007 study conducted by Bond University for the IEAA, published as Interactive Australia 2007 - a follow-up from earlier, similar findings in GamePlay Australia 2005. "An R18+ classification will cater to the rising age of computer and video game players in Australia, allowing adult gamers to be treated as such and have broad choice in the types of games they play."

If you disagree with Mr. Atkinson and would like to let him know how you feel, his email address is attorney-general@agd.sa.gov.au - drop him a line!

Sample Letter: I write to express my concern over the lack of an adult classification for video games in Australia. I believe that most Australians are able to make up their own minds, with appropriate ratings guidance from the OFLC, about which games they do - and do not - want to play. According to a 2005 survey by Bond University, 88% of Australians support an R18+ classification for video games - with many of those Australians living in South Australia. These are not children's opinions, with 35% of gamers also being parents - according to a 2007 survey also from Bond University. It's worth noting that the average age of Australian gamers is 28, with more than half the gaming population older than 18. As a South Australian, a voter and a gamer, you do not represent my interests on this topic. I urge you to reconsider your opinion on the matter. Regards

Refused Classification: Dark Sector

Edit the above letter as appropriate - don't forget to sign your name. If you don't live in South Australia, remove that bit - but if you're of voting age, make sure you leave that bit in, as that's who he's "representing"!

Please remember - be courteous and polite in your correspondence. You may be very upset over the situation, and you may have some colourful things you'd like to tell him - but that is not going to help anything. Gamers are all too often portrayed as foul-mouthed, violent people with no sense of decency or any manners, so sending hate-filled messages is only going to continue that portrayal, and hurt the cause. Including your postal address will likely get you a posted reply (as well as proving that you're in SA, if you are), but a simple email is fine too.

If you do choose to contact Mr. Atkinson, why not share your letter here, and any response you may get! ...and make sure you tell your friends, family and gaming associates (clan-members, opponents in-game, your guild, the local internet cafe and that IRC chat room you hang out in) - we need to prove to Mr. Atkinson that there's an awful lot of us, and he doesn't represent our best interests.