In what has been a long time coming, the Australian Government has invited submissions and discussions on the mature games debate that has plagued the region for some time.

Originally planned for July of this year, the public consultation opens the floor to discuss and submit the pros and cons of an 18+ rating category - something the region currently doesn't have.

At present time, the highest rating that a game can currently receive in the region is a "Mature 15+." Not only does this cause potential problems when rating a game as MA15+ when it should have been an 18+ (Grand Theft Auto IV), but it's also stopping the adult market in Australia from making their own judgement decisions on their video game purchases.

I'd love to sit here and argue both sides of the argument - which is what I learned as part of my law background - but I can't think of a single reason why an 18+ category isn't created. The MA15+ is an outdated, archaic classification rating and has failed to adapt and keep up with the number one emerging entertainment medium.

You have till February 28th 2010, so don't delay. Tell your Australian gamer friends, tell your parents, tell your wives, your children... rally the troops! Only then can you put the unfortunate Left 4 Dead 2 and Aliens vs. Predator situations behind you... hopefully.

Are you Australian? Want your voice heard? Then don't hesitate, do it now. You have our support Australia.

[Thanks for the heads up Blake]