The Press Council promotes freedom of speech and responsible journalism. It also sets standards and responds to complaints about material in Australian newspapers and magazines, as well as a growing number of online-only publications.
The Australian Press Council acknowledges with sadness the passing of Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon AO, who served as Chair of the Council from 2000 to 2009.
Professor McKinnon led the Council during a significant period for both the media industry and public policy in Australia, including debates around defamation, privacy, freedom of information and press freedom. During his tenure, he helped guide the Council through a challenging financial period while continuing to support its important role in complaints handling and media standards.
Professor McKinnon was widely respected for his longstanding contribution to higher education, public policy, and civic life in Australia. Beyond the Council, he had a distinguished career in education and public service, including serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong from 1981 to 1995. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1995 for service to education, the community, and the arts.
The Council extends its condolences to Professor McKinnon’s family, friends, and colleagues.
The Australian Press Council (APC) today announced that Yvette Lamont will step down as CEO and Executive Director, with her resignation taking effect mid-July 2026.
Ms Lamont has led the organisation since September 2021, and has overseen a significant period of transition and renewal, with a particular focus on ensuring the Council’s independent complaints process is robust, timely, free and accessible to all Australians.
During her tenure, the organisation undertook a program of operational reform and financial stabilisation and is well placed as it looks to its next phase.
Chair Dr Bronte Adams thanked Ms Lamont for her contribution.
“Yvette has led the organisation through a genuinely challenging few years — delivering financial stabilisation, structural reform and navigating a media environment that hasn’t stood still. The APC is in a stronger position as a result.
Personally, and on behalf of the Council, I wish to thank Yvette for her dedication and the results she has achieved. We wish her well in the next chapter of her career.”
Ms Lamont said the decision followed careful reflection.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Australian Press Council. I’m proud of the work the team has done, and I leave knowing the organisation is well placed with a sound foundation to best execute its functions. I would also like to thank former Chairman Neville Stevens AO and current Chair Dr Bronte Adams AM for their support and encouragement during my term.
All Australians can be confident that the APC continues to adapt to the changing media environment and community standards, with a clear focus on the public interest in providing the community with an independent and easily accessed complaints process.”
The APC will provide further information on the CEO recruitment process in due course.
The Australian Press Council is pleased to share that its CEO & Executive Director, Yvette Lamont, was featured in the International Women’s Day Special Edition of the Communications Law Bulletin (published by the Communications and Media Law Association) (CAMLA).
In the interview, Yvette reflects on her career and shares insights on the evolving media landscape and the importance of trust in media.
Yvette also highlights the value of independent bodies such as the Australian Press Council (APC) in maintaining public confidence in the media.
The APC plays an important role in demonstrating that press freedom and accountability are not mutually exclusive by promoting freedom of speech through responsible and independent print and digital media, and adherence to high journalistic and editorial standards.
The interview forms part of CAMLA’s International Women’s Day Special Edition, celebrating the women shaping the media, communications and legal sectors.
It is a thoughtful and timely contribution to the broader conversation on media, law and leadership, and a valuable reflection as part of this year’s International Women’s Day discussions.
Read the full article here.
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The Council, as an independent body, takes seriously its responsibilities in upholding high standards in the Australian news media and investigating complaints alleging breaches of our principles. Australians deserve to have confidence and trust in the news media, and the Council’s processes are a vital means of building and protecting that trust.
Our recent investigation into a complaint against The Australian was an example of that process working and working well, and we stand by the findings we have made.
We note that The Australian published our findings as it is required to do, and we urge everyone to read them in full. We also note that, as a publisher member of the Council, The Australian has today confirmed that it continues to support and fund the work of the Council despite disagreeing with this decision. We welcome that confirmation.
Our findings were not the result of a legal process, let alone a court, ‘kangaroo’ or otherwise. Our findings resulted from a thorough and careful examination of the stories complained about and the identification of clear areas where the Council’s principles had been breached. All parties had ample opportunity to put their case, and all views were carefully considered.
The Council’s many publisher members, large and small (there are hundreds) accept that they do not get involved in investigating the public’s complaints against them, and sometimes they will come up against decisions they strongly disagree with. That is one of the great strengths of a process that is designed to serve the public and its right to know.
Complaint outcomes are called Adjudications. You can search published Adjudications here.