According to a forum post early in the new year by Valve Software's Chet Faliszek, the developer is still mindful of the censorship of the Australian version of their zombie shooter Left 4 Dead 2, revealing that they are "exploring the options" since our country's introduction of an R18+ classification, but stopping short of confirming a submission for re-classifaction (thanks GamespotAU):

No need to flood us with emails. We have been exploring the options here and what we can legally do. We will have more information on this when we understand the issues fully and how we are moving forward but don't worry any cost associated with it doesn't worry us, this is something we want to do.

When Left 4 Dead 2 was originally submitted for classification to the then Office of Film and Literature Classification ahead of its 2009 launch, the title was deemed in excess of the maximum MA15+ rating of the time and refused classification. A modified version was then created for the Australian market, removing most of the blood effects and making zombie corpses vanish more rapidly.

Australian's classification legislation permits a game to be submitted for an updated rating after two years, which wouldn't be an issue for Left 4 Dead 2. However, the game was originally published, and submitted for classification by Electronic Arts under their EA Partners label, so it's possible the legalities of that arrangement might complicate things in this instance.

Warner Bros. recently confirmed they are submitting Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition hoping for an R18+ classification after the game's original version was refused classification under the old guidelines --seemingly avoiding the two year requirement by the bundled DLC making it effectively a distinct product-- and Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden: Razor's Edge for Wii U recently became the first videogame to receive the R18+ stamp in Australia.

Razor's Edge was rated PEGI 18 though so it seems to be pretty much inline just on that one example.

If I put my cynical business hat on it seems to me like Valve drops this news, waits to see if they get some free advertising out of it, then if there is enough interest and they think they will get some sales they'll take the [surely failry small] risk or resubmission.

If they are rejected again wtf is the point of R18+ classification?

I'd say that is a strong possibility with Valve.

Steam is one of the best companies when it comes to regional bullshit be it price or content.

People blame Steam for our regional prices but it has very little to do with them. eg. 2k Games Australia is the reason any 2k game costs double here what it does in the US.

I vaguely remember that when the game was first RC, Valve said they would re-submit it if our laws ever changed.

yeah It's actually Valve old timer.. Steam is what they created.

Wesfarmers owns Coles and Bunnings. Bet you say you are going to Coles to buy milk and not Wesfarmers.

If they get the 18+ rating and decide to give it to us all free, what happens to the under 18 year olds who bought it when it was rated 15+?? Do they lose access altogether or will they find a way to let them keep their old versions?Just putting it out there........

It'll probably be an optional upgrade like high res textures.