GDAA Pursues 40 Percent Rebate Despite Government Denial

The Game Developers' Association of Australia, has been petitioning the Federal Government of Australia in a continuing effort to gain a 40 percent rebate for the games industry in that country. Now, GameSpot is reporting that the petition has been denied. The GDAA says that lack of government support for the game industry inhibits it from becoming a significant employer, and estimates that a 40 percent production rebate could raise the number of employees in the industry, currently at 8,500, to 18,000 by 2010. Additionally, GDAA CEO Greg Bondar says the rebate will help entice more publishers to Australia. Thwarted on the government level, Bondar is calling for the support of the GDAA's members, game developers and gamers, asking them to sign an online petition at the association's Web site and imploring them to contact Minister Helen Coonan or their local federal Parliament member, "to express their dissatisfaction that the industry has been repeatedly ignored by government." “We are a young, vibrant industry that is punching far above its weight when it comes to making a contribution to the economy," said Bondar. "Yet, in order to continue growing and competing on the world stage, we urgently need the support of our Federal Government by way of a 40 percent rebate for the game development industry," He concluded: "All other content industries today receive government assistance with the exception of the games industry. So now we, along with all our members, industry colleagues and gamers will show the government just how much we want them to put us on a level playing field. It’s now game on!"