Outdoor advertising to go under spotlight

The Newman Government is reviewing the regulation of outdooring advertising as part of its commitment to make Queensland the safest state in Australia to raise a child.

Next week in Parliament, the Government will refer a motion and terms of reference to the Health and Community Services Parliamentary Committee to inquire into and report on whether reform, including legislative reform, in this area is necessary.

Currently, outdoor advertising is largely self-regulated, meaning states have very few powers when it comes to regulating sexually explicit material on billboards.

An inquiry by a Parliamentary Committee will provide Queenslanders with an opportunity to provide their input through an open and transparent process.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said he would like the Committee to consider the issue in the context of other forms of advertising, which are classified to help parents protect children from inappropriate advertising.

“It is difficult to avoid outdoor advertising in everyday life and such advertising can be seen by children, with no ability for parents to restrict access if it is inappropriate,” Mr Bleijie said.

“If it is not appropriate to show children certain things on television during prime time, then it should not be appropriate for outdoor billboard advertising.

“There have been Federal reviews of this regulation in recent years, with no meaningful improvements.

“I want the Committee to consider the effectiveness of the existing regulatory model in Queensland in relation to the exposure of our children to sexually implicit images and slogans.

“Whatever regulation is in place, we need a system that when complaints are made, adequate action is taken. I don’t think that is happening at the moment.

“Protecting our most vulnerable people should be a priority for any government.” 

[ENDS] 12 April 2013

Media Contact: Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351 or (07) 3224 6901