An adults-only rating category for computer games has come into effect across the nation.
The new R18+ category will make it illegal for people under 18 to buy, hire or view any games given the rating, while it will be illegal for retailers to sell R18+ games without the new markings.
The rating is given to games with content considered to be high in impact.
South Australian Acting Premier John Rau, a long-time campaigner for the R18+ classification, welcomed it.
"Just as is the case with movies, some video games are clearly not appropriate for young people," he said yesterday. "These new laws will mean that games that are not suitable to be played by minors can now be appropriately classified as adult material."
Games that do not meet required classification criteria will be refused classification and sale in Australia.
The laws bring computer games into line with the classification system for films and other material, and make Australia more consistent with international standards. This follows a deal struck last year between the commonwealth, states and territories to impose the new rating system.
Previously, the highest rating for computer games had been MA15+, and overseas adult-only games were usually banned here or given a lower classification, allowing children to obtain them.
