No rest for Wicked Campers as Queensland ban move is applauded

Legislation aimed at effectively banning Wicked Campers' controversial slogans from Queensland has been widely welcomed by activists, the RACQ and the advertising industry.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath announced on Thursday the Palaszczuk government would introduce legislation that would see vehicles with slogans that "fail to comply with determinations by the Advertising Standards Bureau" face deregistration.

One of the controversial Wicked Campers slogans.Credit: Wicked Campers

The legislation would only affect Wicked Campers' Queensland-registered vehicles, meaning there was nothing to stop the company's interstate-registered vehicles being driven on the state's roads.

The company has not responded to requests for comment, but an anti-Wicked activist group was celebrating the decision on Thursday.

Protesters outside Wicked Campers in Brisbane in 2014.Credit: Wicked Pickets Facebook

Wicked Pickets spokeswoman Anna McCormack said it was a positive move by the state government.

The group has been protesting the "misogynist" vans since 2014.

"Dozens of complaints about Wicked Campers' van slogans have been upheld by the (Advertising Standards Bureau), but WC has ignored requests to remove the slogans," Ms McCormack said.

"Now, they will not be able to ignore those requests."

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath says MPs should be able to substantiate claims if they use Parliamentary privilege.Credit: Glenn Hunt

But Ms McCormack said the proposed legislation did not go far enough.

"While it may deal with WC, it allows other commercial companies that advertise via newspapers, magazines, billboards etc to continue to denigrate and ridicule women and girls," she said.

"It allows these companies to continue to use rape culture to sell their products."

The RACQ was claiming credit for the move on Thursday.

RACQ advocacy executive general manager Paul Turner said the announcement was a direct result of the motoring company raising the matter nationally in May.

"As advocates for more than 1.6 million Queenslanders, we stood up and said enough is enough and we're pleased to see the results of our strong stance against sexist, misogynistic and vile billboards on cars," he said.

Advertising Standards Bureau chief executive Fiona Jolly also welcomed Ms D'Ath's announcement.

"The advertising self-regulation system has more than 99 per cent compliance by industry with determinations of the Advertising Standards Board," Ms Jolly said.

"The ASB has been working with the Queensland government for some time to find a way to get vans with offensive slogans and images off the road and we welcome today's announcement by the Attorney-General in Queensland.

"The advertising industry demonstrates extraordinary commitment to ensure the self-regulatory system is effective – there is no place for rogue advertisers.

"We will continue to work with the advertising industry, consumers and governments to maintain an effective system of advertising self-regulation."

Australian Association of National Advertisers chief executive Sunita Gloster said she was glad to see Wicked Campers "held to account".

"Responsible advertisers acknowledge that their licence to advertise goes hand in hand with a commitment to aligning their advertising with industry and community standards," Ms Gloster said.

"The Attorney-General's move reinforces the collaboration and commitment the industry makes to responsible and respected marketing."