Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia

For those of us who are avid gamers in Australia, you'd be more than aware of the heated discussion and controversy when it comes to classification on video games. For those who are unaware, the highest classification rating a game can have in Australia is MA15+. Games that receive a rating higher than MA15+ are not allowed to be sold.

There was a rumor going about for a while that due to some of the content appearing in Fallout 3, Bethesda's sequel to one of the most popular turn-based RPG's, would deem in worthy of the R18+, and thus refused classification. According to Kotaku, and a quick look at the Office of Film and Literature Classification site can confirm, Fallout 3 has been refused classification.

Those who are familiar with the Fallout series will know that it tends to have a rather violent overtone, amongst other things. While bloody dismemberment is acceptable in a classic 2D isometric viewpoint, when it enters the more realistic 3D world, it gets a little iffy, which I can understand. The thing I don't understand is why the Australian media hold onto the outdated classification system, especially in such a time as that we live in. It's ridiculous if you ask me.

So far there has been no response from Bethesda regarding the classification.

I would have a full blown rant on the subject, but it's 5am, and I really need to get some sleep. You can probably expect a large rant / thesis about the state of classification for video games late this afternoon / evening.

Edit (17:35):
Looking again at Kotaku, they have discovered just what has caused Fallout 3 to be refused classification. If I'm right in understanding, the game includes the use of "chems" which can alter a characters statistics. The OFLC deems this equal to drug use, as the various chems are seen as syringes, pills and the like. Here is a [Link] to the Kotaku article regarding the classification.

OFLC Entry For Fallout 3
Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia (via Kotaku)
Why Fallout 3 Was Refused Classification (via Kotaku)