States have until July on R18+ rating

The Federal Government is giving the states and territories until July to agree to a new R18+ classification for video games.

Home affairs minister, Brendan O'Connor, said Australia - now the only developed country without such a video game rating - had become a laughing stock.

"We're the only country that allows tens and tens of games to be used by minors that are only used by adults overseas," he told ABC Television on Wednesday.

"We're becoming the laughing stock of the developed world."

He said the issue has been debated by the attorneys-general for the past 10 years and it was time to make a decision.

He wants consensus from the states and territories when they meet in July and if they do not agree, he tips the federal government will go it alone.

"If there is not a consensus around this issue, the commonwealth will certainly be considering other options.

"We cannot afford to leave it like it is."

At present, the most restrictive classification for video and computer games is MA15+, which encourages gaming companies to tweak violent games so they make the grade.

The higher classification means under-15s will be better protected while opening up the market for the potential R18+ audience.

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