Australian AG: R18+ reform "needs careful scrutiny and public debate"

Attorney General for Victoria, Robert Clark, has said that the decision on Australia's fabled R18 rating would need careful scrutinising if it's to be legislated.

Speaking to The Age, Clark said that the country's collation government was currently wary about the draft guidelines currently proposed.

"[This] needs careful scrutiny and public debate," he said. "The Coalition government is very concerned that the draft guidelines currently being proposed by the Commonwealth would legalise games with high levels of graphic, frequent and gratuitous violence, including violence against civilians and police."

Victorian director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Rob Ward, accused the Australian Classification Board of falling "asleep at the wheel" whilst rating violent titles an MA15, but adds it's "not a reason to create an R18+ category" but rather "a reason to clip them behind the ear."

There's more through here. A full decision on R18+ is expected by July.