The Australian Labour party has today ruled out bringing in a food advertising ban to children should it win the next election to take place on 24th November. It was thought that the Labour Party, which is outstripping John Howard’s Liberal Party in the polls, would push straight for food advertising restrictions should it come into power.

 

"We believe the existing regulations are sufficient," Kevin Rudd, the Labour leader, said yesterday. He said Labour would await the outcome of a review by the Australian Communications and Media Authority into the children's advertising code.

 

The Association of Australian Advertisers (AANA) has played a key role in representing advertiser interests on this debate and continues to engage through the ACMA Review Process, which could still recommend food advertising restrictions. Collin Segelov, Executive Director of the AANA, called Mr Rudd's announcement an "appropriate response". “Self-regulation worked, and the industry would be prepared to add tougher codes if necessary,” he said.

 

WFA has liaised closely with AANA, ensuring that the appropriate materials are available to assist the industry in advocating effective self-regulation and responsibility in commercial communications. For more information please contact w.gilroy@wfanet.org