Remis Vancosid

In regards to the Australian Internet filter:
http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,24569656-5014239,00.html

"Australia's level of net censorship will put it in the same league as countries including China, Cuba, Iran and North Korea, and the Government will not let users opt out of the proposed national internet filter when it is introduced."
"Groups including the System Administrators Guild of Australia and Electronic Frontiers Australia have slammed the proposal, saying it would unfairly restrict Australians' access to the web, slow internet speeds and raise the price of internet access."

Old news for Australian gamers :P.
Firstly: "Atkinson is quoted as saying to Australia's parliament earlier this year that he's opposed to the introduction of an R18+ rating because, despite it denying adults choice, it was necessary to protect children from "potentially harmful material." Hey guys, lets protect children from harmful content by denying an adults only classification, thus adding more confusion about the MA rating and allowing children easier access to harmful content, through confused parents and uncaring retailers. Hell, lets make all our classifcations fruit coded. Apples will be general audiences, as everyone likes apples. Mangoes can be parental guidance, as sometimes kids cant figure out how to cut them into square bite sized bits. Coconuts can be mature because they are brown... and pineapples are mature audiences 15+ because they have spikes. SIMPLE.

Secondly: We can't import "R" rated games into Australia as they will be seized by customs. This is because they are considered contraband from their refusal of classifcation.

Thirdly: This + the internet filter that is being introduced (thank you Kevin Rudd), Australia is a fun place to be a gaming adult.

Kotaku Australian edition have some interesting stats on this stuff:
http://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2008/10/how_old_is_the_average_australian_gamer_30.html