Those backpacker style vans, with graffiti-like sexist slogans painted on their sides, should take care visiting Western Australia.
Offensive advertising material that is sexually explicit, discriminating and offensive are now banned on vehicles in that state under new laws passed by the WA Parliament.
Various states have been taking Wicked Campers to Ad Standars for years for a range of images deemd to be offensive including those said to be transphobic. Slogans include: “a blow job a day beats an apple” and “virginity is curable”.
The Road Traffic (Vehicles) Amendment (Offensive Advertising) Bill 2022 will provide the state's Department of Transport the power to cancel or refuse vehicle licence applications for vehicles that promote advertising that is deemed offensive by Ad Standards.
Under the changes, Western Australians who believe advertising on a vehicle to be degrading, obscene or insensitive can lodge a complaint with Ad Standards which will assess the advertisement against the Australian Association of National Advertisers Code of Ethics.
If the advertisement is found to be in breach of the Code of Ethics, the advertiser will be given notice by Ad Standards to modify or remove the advertisement.
If a vehicle owner fails to comply, Ads Standards will refer the matter to the Department of Transport which will be empowered to suspend or cancel the vehicle licence under the new legislation.
State transport minister Rita Saffioti: "The passing of this legislation sends a strong message that our government will not tolerate degrading, obscene or insensitive advertising or slogans on vehicles in Western Australia.
"Some of the material we have seen in the past has been appalling, and these changes will ensure there are appropriate powers in place to stop it in the future.
"People deserve to live in a community that is free from disrespectful language and behaviour, and our Government is committed to preventing and ending violence against women."
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