Advertising Standards Bureau - Review of Operations 2013 | Page 11

Chairman’s report

In 2013, the ASB again achieved a
great deal in its constant pursuit of
the highest levels of administration
of advertising self-regulation in
Australia. This work has involved
work with community, industry,
government and international
bodies, as well as management of a
never‑ending range of issues.
I was also pleased again to see that the outcomes
of research showed continued community
support for the complaints administration arm
of Australia’s advertising self-regulation system,
which has only become stronger, more effective
and more efficient in its 15 years of operation.
This support of the system is also reflected by
industry in its willing and timely responses to
Bureau requests and Board determinations.
During 2013, I was also pleased to work with
industry members who supported ASB in
producing a new public awareness campaign
which is being rolled out in 2014.
As always the support of industry through
cooperation and payment of levy continues to be
a vital component to the effective administration
and continued improvement of the advertising
self-regulation system as a whole. During the year
I took part in a consultation process with all key
industry stakeholders regarding an increase in the
rate of the self-regulation levy. All stakeholders

Review of Operations 2013

endorsed this increase. The levy has been set at a
very modest 0.035% of media expenditure –since
1998 despite a significant increase in the number
of codes, complaints, cases and media touch points
during the past 15 years. The levy will increase
to 0.05% ($500 per $1m of media buying) from
1 April 2014. I urge all advertisers to continue
to contribute.
As always I would like to express my appreciation
and respect of all members of the Advertising
Standards Board for their work. The Board has
continued to face constant challenges in making
sometimes unpopular determinations, but
determinations nevertheless that apply community
standards to the ever-growing advertising and
marketing communication mediums.

Thank you also to Independent Reviewers
Ms Victoria Rubensohn AM and
Dr Dennis Pearce AO for the important role
they play in providing impartial assessment
of the appropriateness of Board decisions and
Bureau process.
I commend Fiona and reiterate her gratitude of
the quality of the work and high levels of output
by the small team at the Bureau. This team
continues to work at a relentless pace in adapting
to new processes and the constantly changing
advertising environment, while also promoting the
service and providing information and training to
the community, industry and advertisers.
Ian Alwill

I also want to express my appreciation to the
Bureau Board of Directors who voluntarily
and willingly offer their time to assist with
corporate and strategic matters. This year I also
make a special mention of Mr Michael Duncan
who retired from the Board after 12 years of
service. His dedication, integrity and input has
been valuable to the work of the Bureau Board
of Directors.
My appreciation also goes to retiring company
secretary Ms Laura Hartley. Her exceptional and
dedicated services to the ASB since its inception
in 1998 and the Australian Advertising Standards
Council (AASC) will be remembered.

9