Comms Declare has asked the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) to include a commitment to safeguarding the climate and environment in its Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics is open for submission until 5pm Friday 16 January, 2026
Comms Declare argues that the Code of Ethics is the overarching set of principals to which Australian advertisers should comply. While they need to reflect current community standards, they are also the clearest and most public demonstration of the ethics of the industry itself.
While the Environmental Claims Code stops misleading green advertising, it does not mandate that environmentally sustainable advertising should be the industry norm.
Comms Declare submits that the Code of Ethics be updated to reflect:
- The overwhelming interest that the public has in maintaining Australia’s unique environment and a safe climate
- The interest and responsibility that people and brands have to model sustainable practices
- Government procurement requirements for sustainability