Who?

Complaints relating to the content of a television commercial should be directed in writing.

To lodge your complaint, simply write to the Advertising Standards Bureau taking care to include these 5 points:

1. NAME OF ADVERTISER AND/OR PRODUCT
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ADVERTISEMENT
3. WHEN AND WHERE YOU SAW OR HEARD IT 
4. REASON FOR YOUR CONCERN
5. YOUR NAME AND POSTAL ADDRESS

How?

You can make a complaint by either telephoning or writing.

Where?

Phone: (02) 6262 9822
(Enquiry only - telephone complaints are not accepted)

Advertising Standards Bureau
Level 2/97 Northbourne Avenue
TURNER ACT 2612 

Fax: (02) 6262 9833

Please use the online form on this page at their website.

Then what?

If your complaint is about the time an advertisement is telecast, please contact Free TV Australia. Free TV Australia views all television commercials before they go to air and gives each one a classification. This classification governs the times at which advertisements can be shown.

If your complaint is about an alcohol advertisement, a copy of it will be sent to the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Management Committee. Alcohol advertisements are required to comply with both the Advertiser Code of Ethics and the Alcohol Beverages Advertising (and Packing) Code.

"If you find a commercial on TV or radio, or an advertisement in a newspaper, magaizne or online that you think is offensive, violent or sexist, we want to know.  So contact us ... the Advertising Standards Bureau.  That's just what we're here for.  We'll givge your complaint a fair hearing by people just like you from all walks of life, and if it's an issue that contravenes the advertising codes we will act.  It's so easy to lodge a complaint online.  Just go to adstandards.com.au.  The ASB will give your complaint the fair hearing it deserves."