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 (APC) is delighted Australian Associated Press Limited (AAP) has re-joined the Press Council.
AAP is a not-for-profit organisation that advances its charitable objects through public interest journalism. It is committed to the highest editorial standards and fact-based reporting. In addition to its core newswire service, AAP also publishes directly to the public via AAP News and supports access to trusted information for non-media organisations.
Founded in 1935, the AAP Newswire is Australia’s independent national newswire service and has long been regarded as the backbone of the country’s media sector. Supplying wholesale text and images to hundreds of news outlets nationwide, AAP plays a pivotal role in supporting media diversity and public access to factual, impartial news.
In 2019, AAP launched AAP FactCheck, a dedicated unit tackling misinformation and disinformation through independent verification and media literacy education. This initiative further reinforces AAP’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s information environment.
“We are very pleased to welcome Australian Associated Press back to the Press Council,” said Neville Stevens, AO, Chair of the Australian Press Council.
“AAP’s longstanding dedication to factual, independent journalism and public trust makes it a strong and important addition to our membership base.”
The Australian Press Council is responsible for promoting high standards of media practice, community access to information of public interest, and freedom of expression through the media. The Press Council is also the principal body with responsibility for responding to complaints about Australian newspapers, magazines and associated digital outlets, and online only news publications.
For more information, please contact:
Emma Lagerlow, Media Consultant
With the current Chair intending to retire by the end of the year, the Australian Press Council (APC) is inviting applications for this important leadership position.
This is a unique leadership opportunity for a person of the utmost integrity with the ability to guide and unify diverse perspectives. The Chair leads the Council, which includes public, independent journalist, and publisher-nominated members, and plays a central role in promoting high standards of media practice and freedom of expression in Australia.
Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience chairing in a multi-stakeholder environment, sound judgment, and a strong understanding of the evolving challenges facing the print and digital media sectors. As per the APC Constitution, applicants must not have had previous connections involving ownership of, or employment by, the media.
This is a remunerated position.
For more information and to apply – please visit www.futureleadership.com.au. A Candidate Prospectus is also available for download here.
Applications close: 18 May 2025.
Congratulations to Ella Proberts from the University of Queensland, winner of the Australian Press Council ‘Ossie’ Award for Journalism Student of the Year. Ella’s work shows insight and a steadfast commitment to public interest journalism, championing social justice and human rights.
We also extend our congratulations to Lily Kristanto from RMIT University, who received the Australian Press Council ‘Ossie’ Undergraduate Highly Commended Prize. Lily’s work spans a diverse range of local, national, and international issues, featuring contributions to both Australian and Indonesian media.
We also extend our congratulations to Lily Kristanto from RMIT University, recipient of the Australian Press Council ‘Ossie’ Undergraduate Highly Commended Prize. Lily’s work covers a diverse range of local, national, and international issues, with contributions to both Australian and Indonesian media.
In addition, for The Undergraduate Award for an essay on the topic of media ethics, we congratulate winner Elise Mayer and highly commended nominee Macey Fogarty.
For The Australian Press Council Postgraduate Award for an essay on the topic of media ethics, congratulations to winner Harriet Grummet.
The annual Ossie Awards is run by the Journalism Education & Research Association of Australia (JERAA).
The Ossie Awards showcase Australia’s best student journalism. For the full article, visit the JERAA website.
The Australian Press Council is pleased to announce Cheng Lei as the recipient of the 2024 Press Freedom Award. This award recognises individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the cause of press freedom, often at great personal risk.
Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist and former business anchor for China Global Television Network, endured more than three years of detention in China on charges of sharing state secrets. Her resilience and courage throughout her ordeal brought global attention to the importance of press freedom.
Detained in August 2020 for three years and two months, Cheng was held under harsh conditions, including prolonged solitary confinement and restricted access to her family.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Cheng’s strength, calling her “a strong and resilient person”
The Press Freedom Award (formerly the Press Freedom Medal) underscores the Press Council’s commitment to supporting individuals who uphold the principles of free speech and transparent journalism. Nominees include journalists, editors, legal professionals, and educators who have contributed to press freedom or shone light on important societal issues.
The Australian Press Council congratulates Cheng Lei for her extraordinary efforts in championing press freedom.
Complaint outcomes are called Adjudications. You can search published Adjudications here.