In relation to our past article, the Standing Council of Attorney'sGeneral meeting has reported an agreement in-principle between the many states and territories of Australia concerning the introduction of an R18+ rating system for video games.

Eight out of nine states agreed with an R18+ rating introduction, New South Wales being the only one to abstain. However, the Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, has stated that the adult rating is going through with or without the consent of NSW and it's expected to be implemented before the end of the year!

Gaming websites Kotaku and R18games have full and extensive reports concerning everything related to the R18+ introduction in Australia.

Via Gamespot's live stream, Brendan O'Connor has stated that he expects the new rating system to be implemented in Australia in a few months. He also stated that regardless of NSW's Attorney decision, Greg Smith, the Commonwealth is ready to overrule NSW if they still oppose to the changes making it the only state that will not be selling R18+ video games.

Considering NSW didn't say "no" to the rating system, and their own statement of not wanting to be "the odd one out", according to Brendan O'Connor, it sounds like the possibility of implementing the new rating before the end of the year is very positive.

ABC.net.au has a Press release with Brendan O'Connor's statement regarding this subject. From their article:

"This is a big step forward in the long running debate on classification of computer games for adults," Mr O'Connor said. "The introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games will provide better advice to parents and help prevent children and teenagers from accessing unsuitable material. Once introduced, the new classification will also afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults. It is a credit to all jurisdictions that the meeting has now been able to achieve agreement over what is a complex matter in classification policy. I thank all jurisdictions for their support for what is not just a practical public policy, but also very popular policy."

These are indeed good news for all Australian gamers and Mortal Kombat fans.

Meanwhile, South Australia's AG, John Rue, is planing to remove the MA15+ classification in his own state by putting stickers on all MA15+ rated games. He has confirmed that this plan has been approved by the South Australian Government.

Thanks to forum members LemyAddum and Mango for giving us the heads-up on this news story!

Keep up to date with all things concerning Mortal Kombat by following us over on Twitter at @MK_Online or by liking us over on our Facebook Page.

Think you've got a news story? Send your submissions to our MKO Newslead.