Advertising Standards Bureau Review of Operations 2015 | Page 11

Chairman’s report

MERGING BILLBOARDS TRANSPARENCY RADIO COMPLAINT PARTNERING
ADVERTISERS POSTERS COMMUNITY DETERMINATION OUTDOOR
SELF-REGULATE RESPONSIVE MEMBERS TELEVISION
ACCOUNTABILITY RESEARCH INTERNET RELIABLE
UNITING REPORTS CONSUMERS COMMUNICATING
DETERMINATION TRANSPORT EDUCATORS CODES
CONSUMERS ADAPTABLE EDUCATORS SOCIAL MEDIA
COOPERATING BILLBOARDS ASSOCIATING
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
LIAISING INTEGRITY CINEMA
INDUSTRY TRAINING
STANDARDS PEOPLE
TRANSPORT BRIDGING
INDEPENDENT
SOCIAL MEDIA
CONSUMERS
CODES

In 2015 the ASB continued
to administer a world‑class
complaints system, which
continues to produce
independent decisions in a
short turn-around time while
meeting community standards.
The effectiveness of this system relies on the
dedication and cooperation of a myriad of
people who are integral to ensuring that the
self-regulation system continues to meet world’s
best practice in complaints handling, and I would
like to take this opportunity to thank them for
their contribution.
As always the support of industry through
cooperation and payment of levy continues to
be vital to the effective administration of the
advertising self-regulation system as a whole. In
2014, the levy increased for the first time since
1998, and this additional funding through 2015
has allowed the system to continue to operate

effectively and continue to improve and expand.
As always I would like to thank the hard work and
dedication of the Advertising Standards Board. In
2015 the Board continued to make often difficult
decisions, unfailing in their duty to uphold
community standards in line with the Codes
and Initiatives.
I would also like to extend my thanks and
admiration to the Bureau Board of Directors
who voluntarily offer their time on corporate and
strategic matters. This year I would like to make

Review of Operations 2015

a special mention of John Sintras who retired
from his position of Director after 10 years of
dedicated service. I would also like to thank Simon
Talbot and Rebecca Bousted for their service to
the Board. And a warm welcome to new members
David Scribner and Andrew Caie.
My appreciation also to the Independent
Reviewers, Ms Victoria Rubensohn AM and
Emeritus Professor Robin Creyke, and a special
thank you to retiring Independent Reviewer
Dr Dennis Pearce AO.
Thank you also to Fiona Jolly and the team at the
Bureau, their high quality work and high levels of
output ensure the self-regulation system functions
at its best. The small team takes on a wide range
of roles, including work with community, industry,
government and international bodies, as well
as management of a world-class complaints
management system.
I would also like to extend my personal
congratulations and admiration to Fiona Jolly who
marked 10 years of service as ASB CEO in 2015.
Fiona’s contribution to the self-regulation system
in Australia cannot be over-stated. Over the past
decade the advertising industry has changed
dramatically, and Fiona’s leadership ensured the
self-regulation system was able to quickly adapt to
recognise these changes. Throughout the decade
Fiona’s focus on transparency, accountability and
integrity has ensured that Australia’s system of
advertising self-regulation continues to meet
world’s best practice.
Ian Alwill

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