NSW faces abortion access transparency issues  

We were deeply troubled by recent research from the University of Sydney, which revealed that only three out of 220 New South Wales public hospitals are routinely providing abortions. Abortion is a fundamental healthcare service that is both legal in NSW and supported by World Health Organization guidelines for it to be available in all public hospitals. 

Yet, accessing clear information about where and under what circumstances abortion is offered remains challenging. Alarmingly, none of the NSW health districts responded to inquiries from The Guardian and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also declined to provide this information. 

While abortion may still be seen as a ‘taboo’ topic, this lack of transparency is both unacceptable and concerning. 

Hugh Marks named ABC Managing Director, pledges cultural reform 

Former Nine Entertainment CEO, Hugh Marks, has been appointed the new managing director of the ABC, signalling that the national broadcaster must “make choices” about its priorities to uphold the quality of its news and programming. 

Hugh takes on the role as the ABC navigates the digital transformation of the sector while facing declining radio and television audiences. Reflecting on his time at Nine, he expressed shock at allegations of inappropriate behaviour among executives during his tenure and committed to taking a more proactive approach to improving workplace culture. 

Snapchat and McDonald’s launch ‘Promoted Places’  

Snapchat has partnered with McDonald’s to launch the first Australian test of its new ad placement, Promoted Places, on Snap Map. Promoted Places highlights sponsored locations, helping users discover businesses, like McDonald’s, while exploring the platform, which is popular with Gen Z.  

Snap Map is used by over 350 million users monthly to see what friends are up to and identify “Top Picks” based on visitation trends. Its research shows that marking locations as “Top Picks” can boost visits by 17.6 per cent.  

Lightning, lingerie, and awkward KFC Moments  

Ad Standards has just revealed its top most complained about ads of 2024. Budget Direct’s TVC, where a pool cleaner comes to life after being struck by lightning, received 22 complaints due to concerns over violence and frightening imagery, particularly for children. The ad was found in breach of guidelines, leading to its discontinuation. Gotham City’s mobile billboard, featuring sexually suggestive images of women, generated 28 complaints. Ad Standards found the images breached advertising guidelines, leading to their removal despite the company’s objections.  

KFC had two ads in the top ten. One featured an awkward interaction in bed, which received 41 complaints over sexual themes, while another ad, showing a woman leaving a younger man’s bedroom, attracted 69 complaints for similar reasons. However, in both cases, Ad Standards dismissed the complaints concluding the ads were not in breach.