Bulletin

NOVEMBER 2021 #137

Three strikes

An events and venue promoter has breached three sections of the AANA Code of Ethics with an Instagram story that included a number of ‘confessions’ and stories submitted by users.

The case was raised following a complaint about illicit drug use and sexual encounters described in the user generated content.

The Community Panel considered that explicit and highly sexual material was inappropriate on a public Instagram page and upheld the complaint against sections 2.1 (Discrimination and Vilification), 2.4 (Sex, Sexuality and Nudity) and 2.6 (Health and Safety) of the Code. The advertising content was discontinued.

Burnout business

A television advertisement for an auto retailer that shows a man doing a burnout was assessed by the Community Panel following a complaint that it encouraged poor road behaviour.

Under Section 2.6 of the Code of Ethics advertisements should not depict material contrary to prevailing community standards on health and safety.

While it’s illegal and unsafe to perform burnouts on public roads, the Panel determined that it was obvious the stunt was not being performed by a driver of an everyday passenger vehicle on a public road and all possible steps had been taken to ensure the driver’s safety. The complaint was dismissed.

First come, first served under the new F&B Code

The first three cases under the new Food and Beverages Advertising Code were considered by the Community Panel in November. While complaints about the ads for a fast food restaurant, soft drink brand and free-range eggs were dismissed, it’s clear the community will hold advertisers to account when it comes to responsible food and beverages advertising. Don’t be the next case served up to the Panel and take a moment to review the changes to the Code.   

You can find all determinations from the Ad Standards Community Panel online at AdStandards.com.au/cases

Give the gift of responsible advertising

The holiday season is fast approaching so we’ve made a list (you should check it twice) of things to keep in mind when creating your festive ad campaigns.

Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season

On behalf of the Ad Standards team and the Ad Standards Community Panel, we’d like to thank you for your support of Australia’s advertising complaints adjudication system throughout 2021.

We wish you a safe and happy festive season and see you in 2022!