The advertising of alcohol and tobacco products is an issue of wide public interest in Australia. The so-called health lobby has been vocal in this regard in recent years. The alcohol, tobacco and media industries, on the other hand, as well as some of the recipients of financial support provided by these industries, have vigorously opposed any further restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising. This paper, written from the perspective of the Northern Territory Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee, outlines the structure of the system which
regulates advertising in Australia and the Drug and Alcohol Bureau's experience in using that structure, and highlights a number of disturbing aspects.