Australia is finally getting its R18+ rating after reaching an in-principle agreement last month, with eight of the nine territories voting to approve the classification, with New South Wales Attorney-General Greg Smith being the only one to abstain from the vote, choosing to consult with his cabinet before endorsing the proposal.

Australian Minister for Justice, Brendan O'Connor has announced that Smith has now given "in-principle support" for the new 18+ rating, which means the process to introduce it to video games with adult content can now move ahead as planned. The 18+ rating will be the equivalent of a PEGI 18 rating in Europe or an ESRB 'M' rating in North America.

"I am delighted that NSW has decided to support what is not just a practical public policy, but a very popular policy," declared O'Connor. "Once introduced, the new classification will also afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults."

So, with the 18+ rating now moving forward, it's only a matter of time before Aussie gamers can enjoy previously banned games like Left 4 Dead and Mortal Kombat. A censored version of Left 4 Dead 2 had been released in Australia under the 15+ rating, but future titles featuring similiarly mature content will be subjected to no such concessions.

Via: x360a.rog

I never knew that rated 18 games were banned in Australia. They've been missing out on some fantastic games. This may explain why a lot of rated 18 games are region free.

I first heard of the ban when L4D2 came out and a non-violent version was being released only to Australians, kinda made people angry. I think there was some sort of law against importing the original version too.

It's been hard times for the Aussies, some of the 18 rated games were banned from importing as well. Good news though