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Australian Press Council

Ensures press freedom and responsibility in Australia

The Australian Press Council (APC) is the self-regulatory body that represents the Australian print media. The focus of this representation is to maintain the implementation of its two objectives: to help preserve the traditional freedom of the press within Australia and ensure that the free press acts responsibly ethically.

The council consists of 15 members representing relevant unions, publishers, journalists and the public although it is headed by an independent Chair. The APC’s authority is reliant upon the media industry’s willingness to respect the Council’s views, to adhere to ethical standards and to publicly admit mistakes. Its main functions include considering and dealing with complaints, encouraging and supporting industry initiatives to address complaints, reviewing industry developments where appropriate and representing the industry to governments and public inquires. To carry out these roles, it serves as a forum to which anyone may submit a complaint regarding the press.

The world’s first press council was established in Sweden in 1916 as and independent self-regulator. The APC was founded in July 1976 after as an initiative between publishers and the Australian Journalists Association. The Council’s first Chairman was Sir Frank Kitto, who was formerly a Justice of the High Court of Australia. In 1992 it became a foundation member of the World Association of Press Councils.

Last updated by David Bielenberg (2011-10-29)