Finding the key details in our case reports just got easier. We’ve introduced a refreshed look and format for our case reports. These updates reflect feedback from both industry and community stakeholders and are part of our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and clarity.
Along with a fresh look, case reports now include new key features such as short summaries highlighting key details and outcomes at a glance, and clearer sections throughout for easier navigation.
We’ve also updated our decision terminology from Upheld’ and ‘Dismissed’ to ‘Breach’ and ‘No breach’, to make both the outcome and wording clearer for everyone.
Take a look at our latest case reports to see what’s new: https://adstandards.com.au/cases/
Frequently asked questions
What’s changed?
We’ve updated the format of our case reports to make them clearer and easier to read. Case reports still include all the key information, but now feature:
- a fresh, clean layout
- clearer sections
- a summary of key details and outcomes upfront.
We’ve also updated the decision terms from ‘Upheld’ and ‘Dismissed’ to ‘Breach’ or ‘No breach’. This change reflects feedback that ‘Breach’ and ‘No breach’ are clearer, more intuitive terms, and easier for readers to understand at a glance.
You might notice that the decisions are still presented as ‘Upheld’ or ‘Dismissed’ on the main decisions page on the Ad Standards website, but this will soon also change to ‘Breach’ and ‘No breach’.
Why were these changes made?
These updates reflect feedback from both industry and community stakeholders and are part of our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and clarity.
The new format helps readers quickly find the key information and outcomes.
What’s new?
- Simpler design and layout for faster navigation.
- Summaries of complaints, advertiser responses, and decisions appear at the front of the report.
- Full advertiser responses moved to the appendix to keep the main report focused.
- Decisions now use ‘Breach’ and ‘No breach.’
When will the case reports change?
The new case report format is applied to all cases published from 1 October 2025.
Does the new case report format change what the complainant or advertiser is expected to provide?
No. The process and information required from both the complainant and advertiser is the same.
Complainants will still receive updates and the final case report, and advertisers will continue to receive complaints in full.
Does the new case report format change what the complainant or advertiser receives?
No. Complainants and advertisers will still receive updates from Ad Standards about the status of the case and will receive the final case report.
Will complaints now always be summarised in the case report?
In most instances, yes. Case reports will now only include a summary of complaints.
This change makes the reports clearer and easier to read, while still capturing all key issues raised by complainants.
Full complaints will continue to be provided to the advertiser and the Community Panel for their review and consideration.
For complex or technical matters, such as Environmental Claims Code complaints, the full complaint may be included in the appendix.