Developing effective advertising self-regulation in Australia: reflections on the old and new systems

The regulation of advertising is a controversial and difficult process. Over the past three decades, two attempts have been made in Australia to produce more acceptable ads. This paper reviews these systems using a macro framework for analysis which contextualises advertising in society. The systems have the fundamental process of handling complaints about advertising in common, however there are advantages and disadvantages of each and these are discussed. Important insights for the development of regulation of advertising are presented together with critical implications for the future of the industry.