When it comes to the R18+ issue, the new NSW Attorney General Greg Smith has arguably been the most inaccessible. After initial inquiries we were told he needed time to formulate an opinion. Then we were told to call back closer to the SCAG meeting in July. Now, after writing to Smith, we’ve had a reply – and his position is… vague.
“While I have noted your enquiry about my position on this matter,” begins his reply, “it is important to recognise that, under the National Classification Scheme, new classification categories cannot be introduced without the unanimous agreement of all Commonwealth, State and Territory Censorship Ministers. In addition, prior to Ministers considering whether or not to change the Classification Scheme, there must be national consultation on the proposed change.”
It’s a position that sounds very similar to the Victorian AG Robert Clark’s position, who claimed that the Federal Government’s proposed guidelines required “careful scrutiny and public debate”.
Later in the letter, Smith stated that the views of the community and his Minsterial Colleagues would inform his final decision.
“A decision regarding the introduction of an R18+ classification is expected to be made by Censorship Ministers at their meeting in July 2011,” he continues. “On that issue I can only advise that I support the national approach to classification and will be informed by the views of the community and my Ministerial colleagues.”
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