Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Qld Parliament approves new film and game classification laws

Queensland Parliament has passed laws the Opposition says will weaken the system of film and game classification.

The State Government says film and computer game makers cannot afford to stagger international release dates because of the threat of piracy.

The laws will allow movies and games to be advertised before they have been classified.

Opposition spokesman Mike Horan says that weakens the classification system.

"What was wrong with the system before when you couldn't advertise something until it was classified," he said.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine says safeguards, including industry guidelines, will ensure people are not exposed to objectionable material.

"If problems do appear in the scheme, I'll be very happy to take them back to the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General," he said.

The laws bring Queensland into line with the Commonwealth and other states.