The Australian Press Council ('Council') promotes high standards in media, ensures community access to important information, and supports freedom of expression. It handles complaints about content (excluding advertisements) in Australian newspapers, magazines, and digital sites. The Council is not a court or government agency; its authority comes from publishers who voluntarily join and agree to self-regulate through the Council. You can make complaints to the Council about published material and the methods used to gather information for publication.
What types of complaints can you make?
The Council's Standards of Practice are rules for publishing members. Complaints are reviewed to check for breaches in three categories:
- General Principles
- Privacy Principles
- Specific Standards (e.g., media coverage of suicide, patient contact)
Standards often mention 'Sufficiently in the public interest,' balancing public interest against the breach's seriousness.
- The Statement of General Principles sets out 8 principles that fall within the following categories:
- Accuracy and clarity: Ensure factual material is accurate and clear, with corrections for inaccuracies.
- Fairness and balance: Present factual material fairly, allowing replies to adverse references.
- Privacy and avoidance of harm: Respect privacy unless in the public interest and avoid unnecessary harm.
- Integrity and transparency: Avoid using unfair means to obtain material and disclose any conflicts of interest.
- The Privacy Principles are relevant and are applied by the Council when it is asked to advise or adjudicate an individual complaint. There are 7 Privacy Principles:
- Privacy Principle 1: Collection of personal information.
- Privacy Principle 2: Use and disclosure of personal information.
- Privacy Principle 3: Quality of personal information.
- Privacy Principle 4: Security of personal information.
- Privacy Principle 5: Anonymity of sources.
- Privacy Principle 6: Correction, fairness, and balance.
- Privacy Principle 7: Sensitive personal information.
Suicide:
The Council applies specific standards to the coverage of suicide and related issues in print and online media and these cover a range of topics.
To access the Specific Standards on Coverage of Suicide, go here: https://presscouncil.org.au/standards/specific-standards/.
Contacting patients:
The Council applies specific standards to complaints about the methods used by publications to obtain information from patients in care facilities, like hospitals and residential care.
To access the Specific Standards on Contacting Patients, go here: https://presscouncil.org.au/standards/specific-standards/.
What is NOT included?
- The Council does not handle complaints about advertising material or broadcasts on radio or television unless the complaint is about the material not being clearly identifiable as advertising.
- Complaints more appropriate for another organisation will be directed accordingly.
Jurisdiction:
- The Council considers complaints about Australian publications.
- It will not consider complaints about articles by international publishers unless they relate to events within Australia or concern an Australian resident directly affected by the breach.
Time Limitations:
- Complaints should generally be made within 30 days of publication, with exceptions for exceptional circumstances.
- Reviews of decisions to discontinue complaints must be requested within 7 days of notification.
The Council will not deal with complaints about:
- Legal matters already in court or resolved there.
- Complaints about non-member organisations or websites.
- Broadcast media complaints (TV and radio).
- Solely advertising content without journalistic overlap.
Discretion:
- The Council may investigate complaints beyond the standard timeframe, internet-only content, individual vs. public interest matters, ethical editorial decisions, anonymity, and third-party complaints.
Who can you make a complaint against?
You can make a complaint against:
- Publications: Complaints can be made against Australian publications, specifically constituent bodies of the Council (e.g., News Corp Australia, Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd, ARE Media, and the Country Press Australia).
The Council will not deal with complaints about:
- International content unless it concerns Australian events or individuals.
- Advertising material unless it involves distinguishing editorial content from advertising.
- Non-member publishers who are not obligated to follow Council directives.
- Specific Australian publications and broadcasters under other regulatory bodies (e.g., ABC, SBS).
Are you eligible to make a complaint?
You must be a person:
Generally, any person can make a complaint about published material.
Complaints by constituent bodies:
The Council typically does not consider complaints by one constituent body against another unless in exceptional circumstances.
Secondary complaints:
Complaints by individuals not personally identified or directly affected may still be considered based on privacy breaches, harm, Council Standards of Practice, resource balance, and practical response.
What can this body do to help?
The Council may provide:
- Consideration by Council staff: Possible outcomes include reasons for publication, informal regret expressions, additional balancing material, agreed apologies, corrections, content removal, future publication agreements, and standards for education and training.
- Consideration by Adjudication Panel: The panel’s decision must be published according to Council requirements and shared on the Council’s website and social media.
- Possible Outcomes: Valid complaints may include warnings, formal disapproval, suggested apologies, retractions, corrections, and preventive measures for future issues.
Additional information:
The Council cannot order compensation, fines, or other financial sanctions.
How to prepare your complaint
Format:
All complaints must be in writing.
Contact the Council for assistance if needed.
Personal Details:
Provide your name, email, and phone number (address optional).
Respondent’s Details:
Identify the publication and include a screenshot or copy of the material.
Relevant Facts:
Detail the reason for your complaint (up to 400 words) and specify the breached Standards of Practice.
Additional Information:
Consent to the Council’s use of your personal information per their Privacy Policy.
Lodging your complaint and next steps:
Where to lodge your complaint:
- Online: Press Council Complaint Form
- Email: media@presscouncil.org.au
- Post: Australian Press Council, PO Box 1014, North Sydney NSW 2059
- Telephone: (02) 9261 1930 or 1800 025 712
Reception of complaint:
Initial assessment by Council staff to determine if further consideration is needed.
Level 1: Consideration by Council Staff
Possible outcomes include resolution, referral to an adjudication process, or discontinuation.
Level 2: Consideration by Adjudication Panel
Scheduled meetings for detailed review; complainants can have support but not professional representation.
Resolution:
The panel’s final adjudication will be confidentially shared before publication. Requests for revision can be made before final publication.
Additional Information:
Keep a copy of your complaint for your records.
More information:
Refer to the factsheet provided below for more information.
