A champion of advertising self-regulation
The retirement of Mr Ian Alwill from the Advertising Standards Bureau Board of Directors saw the departure of a genuine and tireless champion of advertising self-regulation .
Ian speaking at an ASB function during his 10-year term as Chairman of the Board of Directors .
In his 12 years of dedicated service , ten as Chairman of the Board of Directors , Ian continually pushed for changes and further improvements to the system of advertising self-regulation in Australia .
Since his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2004 Ian welcomed the input and dedication of his colleagues from all industry sectors on the Board of Directors . He also encouraged and supported the work done by staff at the Advertising Standards Bureau in managing the ever-changing platforms of advertising and marketing communication .
As Chief Executive Officer since 2005 Ms Fiona Jolly said Ian ’ s leadership and dedication had supported her in her role at the ASB in making continual improvements to ensure a world-leading complaints administration system .
His vision and support allowed for one of the major changes to the ASB in the past 10 years – changes to the number and composition of the Advertising Standards Board in 2008 . Ian ’ s support for this change illustrated the importance he placed on strengthening the independence and diversity of the Board and ensured the complaints system and self-regulation system would survive any challenges to its purpose and operations .
Overall , Ian ’ s work has ensured that any scrutiny of the Bureau or Board processes will result in the conclusion that the ASB administers an independent , responsive , transparent , efficient and accessible complaints system . This is borne out in repeated conclusions by various governments that advertising self-regulation as operated by ASB is a better option than government intervention and that ASB is best placed to regulate advertising standards in Australia .
Ian also supported and participated in work to engage APEC economies in developing a regional awareness of the benefits of advertising self-regulation .
The work in this area has meant the ASB has developed important relationships with APEC economies and can look forward to working with regional partners to strengthen advertising self-regulation systems and standards – work that will benefit Australian industry and the communities in the APEC economies .
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