2019-09-18
The ACT Greens are proud today to support a community petition to ensure that Transport Canberra to immediately remove from bus advertising all advertisements promoting people who make sexist public comments, including Alan Jones – and ensure that promotion of people who make sexist public comments is added to the bans in the Transport Canberra advertising guidelines.
It comes after much community discussion around Mr Jones’ recent public comments in relation to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern – as well as any number of comments throughout his career.
“I’m pleased to support this important community petition,” ACT Greens spokesperson for Women Caroline Le Couteur said today.
“Like most Canberrans, I find Mr Jones’ views appalling and harmful. We don’t want to see people who make sexist public comments promoted in our public space.
“The ACT Government shouldn’t profit from Alan Jones’ blatantly sexist, misogynistic dog-whistling.”
The following residents of the ACT draw to the attention of the Assembly:
On August 15 2019, Alan Jones on his 2GB radio show said in relation to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: “I just wonder whether Scott Morrison is going to be fully briefed to shove a sock down her throat.” And “Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders.”
Your Petitioners believe these comments show that Alan Jones does not uphold acceptable community values and does not respect women publicly, that these comments could encourage violence against women, and therefore the promotion of this broadcaster is inconsistent with the values we should uphold in our community.
We note that over forty 2GB advertisers across the country have withdrawn their support for the radio station and Alan Jones, and made statements about their rejection of unacceptable views.
The current Transport Canberra advertising policy restricts the type of material that can be promoted, including political or religious advertising, tobacco products and anti-social or offensive messages. Since 2015, the policy has restricted the promotion of junk food, alcohol, gambling, fossil fuels and weapons.
Your petitioners, therefore, request the Assembly to:
• ensure that promotion of people who make sexist public comments is added to the bans in the Transport Canberra advertising guidelines, and
• call on Transport Canberra to immediately remove from bus advertising all advertisements promoting people who make sexist public comments, including Alan Jones.
Statement ends