ASB appoints new board members
The Advertising Standards Board has appointed new members to its board.
The announcement:
New members appointed to the Advertising Standards Board reflect the Advertising Standards Bureau’s commitment to representing Australia’s diversity.
Ms Fiona Jolly, Chief Executive Officer of the Advertising Standards Bureau said the people appointed to the Board represent a broad range of community values, ages, skills, geographic and demographic groups.
She said a strong field of applicants made selection of new appointments difficult.
“Ultimately I believe the public selection process has helped to deliver a group of people who represent all sectors of the Australian community,” Ms Jolly said.
The nine incoming members were selected from a publicly advertised application and interview process and do not represent the advertising industry, consumer or lobby groups. The first official meeting of the new Board was held in mid September.
The Board currently has 20 members, with membership of the Board on a fixed term basis. New appointments are staggered to ensure the Board retains a mix of corporate knowledge while introducing people with a mix of experience, views and skills.
The Advertising Standards Bureau’s previous appointment of new members to the Board was in 2008. The Board currently meets twice a month.
Among retiring Board members were inaugural members, Tom Keneally and Joanna Cohen, along with the Hon. John Brown who was appointed in 1998.
“Board members make a valuable contribution. Their role is difficult and we appreciate the wisdom and the outstanding contribution all retiring members made during their time on the Board,” Ms Jolly said.
The Board is responsible for considering complaints made by members of the public about all advertisements.
“The diversity of the Board brings with it an understanding of the many different community standards which relate to decisions that need to be made by the Board,” Ms Jolly said.
Issues the Board considers include the use of language, discriminatory portrayal of people, concern for children, portrayal of violence, sex, sexuality and nudity and community standards on health and safety.
“The Board is committed to its important role and provides the community with assurance that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful and also provides advertisers with a valuable guide about community standards,” Ms Jolly said.
