South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson steps down

South Australian Attorney General, Michael Atkinson, has announced that he is stepping down from his position to make way for "new blood" and to devote more time to family. Atkinson made the announcement this morning, according to Adelaide Now.

While Atkinson will remain in parliament until 2014, his enduring reign as the South Australian Attorney General and main road-block for the greatly needed R-18+ rating classification for games in Australia is now over.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 21/03/10 - 11:27 PM Permalink

"his enduring reign as the South Australian Attorney General and main road-block for the greatly needed R-18+ rating classification for games in Australia is now over."

I'd really like to agree, but this definitely remains to be seen...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 22/03/10 - 12:06 AM Permalink

Anti-anonymity laws, refusing to allow an R rating on games... Ding dong the witch is dead.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 22/03/10 - 8:42 AM Permalink

"While Atkinson will remain in parliament until 2014, his enduring reign as the South Australian Attorney General and main road-block for the greatly needed R-18+ rating classification for games in Australia is now over."

This is of course assuming that

a) His successor isn't also opposed to the rating as much as he is, and
b) None of the other AG's are opposed to it

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 22/03/10 - 9:16 PM Permalink

I'm in agreement. With the state elections and such, just because one "roadblock" is replaced, doesn't mean one or more are introduced. Still, glad that he's gone at least. I wonder if the backlash from gamers and the recent open submissions from the public on classification had anything substantial to do with this? I'd like to think yes, but, my cynicism precludes me from doing that :/.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 22/03/10 - 10:51 AM Permalink

Yeah call my cynical but I wouldn't start popping the champagne corks just yet.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 22/03/10 - 2:18 PM Permalink

Now we wait for 2014...

Submitted by souri on Wed, 24/03/10 - 7:56 PM Permalink

Just saw chris4croydon's tweet...

New SA Attorney-General is John Rau, a supporter or the R18+ classification for games (and a nice guy, to boot)

I can understand the pessimism for the chances of the R18+ the rating, and it's been said time and time before, the cog wheels of law amendments move so very, very slow, but with the news of Atkinson stepping down and having no veto power or part whatsoever on the further discussions for the new rating, along with this news, you can't help but feel a glimmer of hope on the horizon.