Major fines in place for those who sell adult games to minors
FINES of $11,000 could be levelled at anyone caught selling an R18+ computer game to a minor.
Department of Justice Acting Director-General Terry Ryan explained the potential penalties relating to laws that allow for games exclusively designed for adults during a committee meeting on Wednesday morning.
The harshest related penalties are for those who sell these adult games to those under 18.
However, this new legislation will not necessarily ask sellers to demand identification.
Although an $11,000 fine is the maximum penalty, the seller is not considered to have broken the law if "the person reasonably believes the minor is at least 18 years".
Similar laws apply if an MA15+ rated game is sold to someone under 15 who is without an adult.
A maximum fine of $2200 applies unless the seller feels the buyer is over 15.
Equivalent laws will also apply for those selling or showing MA15+ or R18+ films to anyone not of the proper age.
The creation of the laws follows the passing of national laws allowing the sale of the adults-only games from January 1.
However, each state and territory must pass its on laws before they can apply.
Until the Queensland laws are passed, selling or buying the games in the state will remain illegal.It will however be legal to purchase games interstate and return to Queensland with them.
The laws were tabled in Queensland Parliament on October 30 but are not due to return for debate until February 7 next year.
