Australian Press Council

The Australian Press Council Incorporated is the self-regulatory body of the print media. It was established in 1976 with two main aims: to help preserve the traditional freedom of the press within Australia and ensure that the free press acts responsibly and ethically.

According to its recently revised Constitution, the objects of the Australian Press Council are to promote freedom of speech through responsible and independent print media, and adherence to high journalistic and editorial standards, by:

Considering and dealing with complaints and concerns about material in newspapers, magazines and journals, published either in print or on the Internet;
Encouraging and supporting initiatives by the print media to address the causes for readers’ complaints and concerns;
Keeping under review, and where appropriate, challenging political, legislative, commercial or other developments which may adversely affect the dissemination of information of public interest, and may consequently threaten the public’s right to know;
Making representations to governments, public inquiries and other forums as appropriate on matters concerning freedom of speech and access to information;
Undertaking research and consultation on developments in public policy affecting freedom of speech, and promoting public awareness of such issues.
promoting an understanding of the Objects, Principles and workings of the Council especially among editors, journalists and journalism schools, through forums and consultations; and encouraging feedback for Council’s consideration.
To carry out its press responsibility role, it serves as a forum to which anyone may take a complaint concerning the press.

In its attempts to preserve the freedom of the press, it keeps a watching brief on developments which might impinge on such freedoms.

The Council is funded by the newspaper and magazine industries, and its authority rests on the willingness of publishers and editors to respect the Council’s views, to adhere voluntarily to ethical standards and to admit mistakes publicly.