Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House children and young people are entitled to live in a caring and nurturing environment, protected from harm and exploitation. Parents, families and communities have the primary role in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of their children and young people and should be supported in carrying out their roles. Sexually explicit material displayed across outdoor advertising, in particular, through bilboards and shopfront windows, raises particular concerns due to the inability of members of the public to avoid such material. The protection of children and the civility of our society is adversely affected when sexually explicit and inappropriate material pervades our outdoor advertising. Of particular concern is the inherent inability of parents to restrict exposure of children to inappropriate images and slogans. Also of concern is the degradation of women portrayed by a selection of these billboards which is currently seen as acceptable in accordance with the Advertising Standards Board Code of Ethics. Sexually explicit material displayed in public areas continues to impact and contribute to the sexualisation of Australian children.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to reassess the current self-regulation scheme and enact State legislation that will place further restrictions on outdoor and shopfront advertising with the intention of preventing the display of material that is sexually explicit, offensive and/or inappropriate for children.