Junk mail - what are the laws around Australia?

[mark_m]

@phb

If the State Government starts separating out junk mail as being special, there will be lobby by someone to start having special class for every different piece of litter.

It is as I explained very different from all else. It differs because of why it exists and because it is a deliberate business activity. One that is highly organised and generates significant turnover for the businesses facilitating the creation, and distribution. Are there any other equivalents where ones private property and those of most in your street are simultaneously littered by a pre-arranged deliberate act of business. Those from the local Scouts, or offering religious companionship not included.

I apologise for any frustration in not accepting the illogical explanation that since the marketing material delivered is not wanted and casual litter is also not wanted both should be treated exactly the same. Only acceptable (an excuse) if one prefers to ignore the significant difference in cause and origin.

As suggested in another post.

@person

I would have thought by now that paper junk mail should be banned outright, regardless of whether there is a “No Junk Mail” sign, with an exception for political advertising.

Further to consider for as long as the issue is pushed onto LGA’s the less incentive for State or National action to do anything other than sanction the status quo.

[person]

@phb

If the State Government starts separating out junk mail as being special, there will be lobby by someone to start having special class for every different piece of litter.

Not if it is outright banned, as I suggested. Noone is going to lobby to get the special treatment of being outright banned. However, yes, you could be right that groups will lobby not be treated as junk mail.

I don’t see a major definitional issue here though. If someone is attempting to insert a piece of paper in your letterbox then it is prohibited junk mail (an offence) unless

a) inserted by Australia Post, or
b) it’s political advertising.

So my proposal is not going anywhere near “litter”.

Yes, OK, someone could attempt to play funny buggers with what exactly is “political”. However at least by definition the physical evidence (the piece of paper) will exist and a court can decide.

Of course you will get commercial printing companies lobbying hard against the whole idea. Someone always loses out.

And, yes, you would need to get the Feds on board in order to control Australia Post - as a separate exercise.