The Australian Press Council - press freedom and press responsibility

About the 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.

From November 2009, the Council consists of 15 members, representing the publishers, the journalists' union, independent journalists and members of the public, and is chaired by an independent Chair. It meets monthly, usually in Sydney, where it maintains a small office, headed by the Executive Secretary. In August 2007, the Council was incorporated under the NSW Associations Incorporation Act.

The Council can amend its own Constitution, in ccoperation with its constituent bodies. It has wide powers to determine and vary its internal structures and procedures.

Any information on the Council not available from this website can be obtained from the Press Council office by phone, fax, mail or email.

Address inquiries and complaints to:

Executive Secretary
The Australian Press Council
Suite 10.02, 117 York St
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9261 1930 or (1800) 02 5712
Fax: (02) 9267 6826

E-Mail (respectively):
info@presscouncil.org.au or
complaints@presscouncil.org.au

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The Council has issued a booklet (144 kB) setting out the aims, practices and procedures of the Council.

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New Chair appointed

The Council has appointed Professor Julian Disney, a Professor in the Law Faculty of the University of New South Wales and Director of the Social Justice Project, as its new Chair. Professor Disney took office on December 1, 2009.

Membership vacancies

The Council from time to time calls for nominations from interested members of the public to fill a public member vacancy. Such vacancies are advised here. Inquiries to info@presscouncil.org.au.

News Print Media report

The Council has now published and posted the 2008 State of the News Print Media in Australia report. The 2008 report can be purchased for $6 (GST inclusive) from the Council office. The 2006 and 2007 reports are also available on this website.

Office location

On 1 September 2003, the Council moved to Suite 10.02, 117 York Street, Sydney 2000

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	Last updated 27 October 2009 All material ©The Australian Press Council. Email: info@presscouncil.org.au Copyright and Disclaimer Notice Website Design, Construction & Maintenance by Catherine McDonnell and the Australian Press Council.