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{{Short description|Australian camper van rental company}}
[[File:Toyota_TownAce_Wicked_Campers.JPG |thumb|right|[[Toyota TownAce]] from Wicked Campers.]]
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2020}}
'''Wicked Campers''' is an Australian camper van rental company based in [[Brisbane]], Queensland, Australia.<ref name="News.com.au_1225700334722">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/lifestyle/no-business-like-slogan-business/story-e6frg9zx-1225700334722 |title=No business like slogan business |author=Connolly, John |date=18 April 2009 |work=[[The Australian]] |accessdate=3 December 2011}}</ref> The company also has outlets in other parts of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, North America, and South Africa.
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Wicked Campers
| logo =
| type =
| traded_as =
| founded = 2000
| founder = John Webb
| defunct =
| location_city = [[Brisbane]]
| location_country = Australia
| locations =
| area_served =
| key_people =
| industry =
| products = Camper van rentals
| services =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| num_employees =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| owner =
| website = [http://www.wickedcampers.com/ www.wickedcampers.com]
}}


'''Wicked Campers''' is an Australian camper van rental company based in [[Brisbane]], Queensland, Australia.<ref name="News.com.au_1225700334722">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/lifestyle/no-business-like-slogan-business/story-e6frg9zx-1225700334722 |title=No business like slogan business |author=Connolly, John |date=18 April 2009 |work=[[The Australian]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref> Founded in 2000 by John Webb, the company also has outlets in other parts of Australia, along with New Zealand, together with operations in Europe, South Africa, Japan, and North and South America.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-wicked-campers-obscene-slogans/7650126 Is this the end for Wicked Campers obscene slogans?] ''[[Triple J]]'' 21 July 2016</ref>
Wicked Campers market their product towards younger inexperienced drivers and backpackers. Each van features a hand painted design, often featuring primitive pop culture references and crude slogans.


Wicked Campers market their product towards younger drivers and backpackers. Each van features a [[Spray painting|spray painted]] design, often featuring pop culture references and slogans, which are often rude and offensive⁠—including statements perceived as misogynistic, anti-environmental, and disrespectful to Indigenous communities. Following moves by various Australian states to outlaw offensive slogans and images on vehicles, notably campervans belonging to Wicked Campers, on 2 August 2019 Federal and State government ministers agreed on a combined approach to deal with the issue.<ref name=natstrat>{{cite news |url=https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-02/ministers-agree-to-national-ban-on-obscene-campervans/11379886 |title=Transport ministers agree to national crackdown on vehicles displaying obscene messages |publisher=ABC online |date=2 August 2019 |access-date=4 August 2019}}</ref>
== Controversy ==


==Controversies==
Wicked have continually attracted media attention in Australia and New Zealand for their use of offensive slogans on their painted vans.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_3659946">{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/3659946 |title=Wicked slogan 'goes too far' |date=5 May 2010 |agency=[[NZPA]] |work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |accessdate=3 December 2011}}</ref><ref name="News.com.au_1111116961545">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/campervan-slogans-are-too-wicked-for-words/story-e6frfkwr-1111116961545 |title=Campervan slogans are too Wicked for words |author=Lawrence, Jessica |date=20 July 2008 |work=[[The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)|The Sunday Mail]] |accessdate=3 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/07/21/5637_local-news.html |title=Controversial campervan found |date=21 July 2008 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |accessdate=3 December 2011}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news|last=Gough|first=Anthony|title=Naked Truth on Wicked Campers|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/naked-truth-on-vans-wicked-ad/story-fnbt5t29-1226288278902|accessdate= July 2012|newspaper=Courier Mail}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news|last=Bastow|first=Clem|title=Why women should boycott Wicked Campervans|url=http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-opinion/why-women-should-boycott-wicked-campervans-20130207-2dztn.html|accessdate=9 February 2013|newspaper=Daily Life}}</ref> Between 2008 and 2012 the Australian Advertising Standards Board upheld numerous complaints about offensive slogans or other advertising.<ref name="Advertising Standards Board">{{cite web|title=Advertising Standards Board Determinations|url=http://www.adstandards.com.au/casereports/determinations/standards|accessdate=9 February 2013}}</ref>
Wicked Campers have continually attracted media attention in Australia and New Zealand for their use of offensive slogans on their painted vans.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_3659946">{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/3659946 |title=Wicked slogan 'goes too far' |date=5 May 2010 |agency=[[NZPA]] |work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref><ref name="News.com.au_1111116961545">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/campervan-slogans-are-too-wicked-for-words/story-e6frfkwr-1111116961545 |title=Campervan slogans are too Wicked for words |author=Lawrence, Jessica |date=20 July 2008 |work=[[The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)|The Sunday Mail]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/07/21/5637_local-news.html |title=Controversial campervan found |date=21 July 2008 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gough|first=Anthony|title=Naked Truth on Wicked Campers|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/naked-truth-on-vans-wicked-ad/story-fnbt5t29-1226288278902|access-date=1 July 2012|newspaper=Courier Mail}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bastow|first=Clem|title=Why women should boycott Wicked Campervans|url=http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-opinion/why-women-should-boycott-wicked-campervans-20130207-2dztn.html|access-date=9 February 2013|newspaper=Daily Life}}</ref> Between 2008 and 2012 the [[Advertising Standards Bureau (Australia)|Australian Advertising Standards Board]] upheld numerous complaints about offensive slogans or other advertising.<ref name="Advertising Standards Board">{{cite web|title=Advertising Standards Board Determinations|url=http://www.adstandards.com.au/casereports/determinations/standards|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref>


In 2010, the Queensland government released a report saying 90% of Wicked vans in the state were unroadworthy. Wicked took the vans off the road but claimed that the vans were safe.<ref name="News.com.au_1225817940969">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/tourists-label-wicked-campervans-death-traps/story-e6frfq80-1225817940969 |title=Tourists label Wicked campervans 'death traps' |author=Dale, Amy |date=11 January 2010 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Australia)|The Daily Telegraph]] |accessdate=3 December 2011}}</ref> It appears, however, that the number of vans that were taken off the road is a point of contention. <ref name="The Wicked Chronicles">{{cite web|title=The Wicked Chronicles|url=http://wickedcamperschronicles.blogspot.com.au/|accessdate=July 2012}}</ref>
In 2010, according to the ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|Daily Telegraph]]'', the Queensland government released a report saying 90% of Wicked vans in the state were unroadworthy. Wicked took the vans off the road but claimed that the vans were safe.<ref name="News.com.au_1225817940969">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/tourists-label-wicked-campervans-death-traps/story-e6frfq80-1225817940969 |title=Tourists label Wicked campervans 'death traps' |author=Dale, Amy |date=11 January 2010 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref> It appears, however, that the number of vans that were taken off the road is a point of contention.<ref name="The Wicked Chronicles">{{cite web|title=The Wicked Chronicles|url=http://wickedcamperschronicles.blogspot.com.au/|access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref>


In 2011, Wicked Campers received criticism from animal rights activists for placing stickers inside their Australian vans with the text "Kangaroos, run the fuckers down." Wicked stated the stickers were to promote road safety and prevent vehicular rollovers.<ref name="News.com.au_1226000835046">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/news/wicked-campers-rapped-for-stickers-encouraging-drivers-to-run-down-kangaroos/story-e6frg8ro-1226000835046 |title=Wicked Campers rapped for stickers encouraging drivers to run down kangaroos |author=Schefe, Yolande |date=6 February 2011 |work=[[The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)|The Sunday Mail]] |accessdate=3 December 2011}}</ref>
In 2011, various media sources reported that Wicked Campers received criticism from animal rights activists for placing stickers inside their Australian vans with the text "Kangaroos, run the fuckers down." Wicked stated the stickers were to promote road safety and prevent vehicular rollovers.<ref name="News.com.au_1226000835046">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/news/wicked-campers-rapped-for-stickers-encouraging-drivers-to-run-down-kangaroos/story-e6frg8ro-1226000835046 |title=Wicked Campers rapped for stickers encouraging drivers to run down kangaroos |author=Schefe, Yolande |date=6 February 2011 |work=[[The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)|The Sunday Mail]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref>


In November 2011 it was reported that the company trading as Wicked Campers had paid fines of AUD$26,400 for 'misleading advertising' regarding camper van hire fees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wicked Campers fined over misleading ads|url=http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/wicked-campers-fined-over-misleading-ads-20111101-1mszb.html|accessdate=9 February 2013|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the company had 'failed to specify the single total price payable for the campervans and failed to adequately disclose certain mandatory fees and charges'.<ref name="Australian Competition and Consumer Commission">{{cite web|title=Wicked Campers pays infringement notices|url=http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1015028/fromItemId/2332|accessdate=9 February 2013}}</ref>
In November 2011 it was reported that the company trading as Wicked Campers had paid fines of $26,400 for 'misleading advertising' regarding camper van hire fees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wicked Campers fined over misleading ads|url=http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/wicked-campers-fined-over-misleading-ads-20111101-1mszb.html|access-date=9 February 2013|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> According to the [[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]], the company had 'failed to specify the single total price payable for the campervans and failed to adequately disclose certain mandatory fees and charges'.<ref name="Australian Competition and Consumer Commission">{{cite web|title=Wicked Campers pays infringement notices|url=http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1015028/fromItemId/2332|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref>


In July 2014 a petition opposing their sexist and misogynist slogans attracted over 100,000 signatures and protests in the [[Australian Senate]]. After pressure through the media, Wicked issued an apology and committed to removing the offensive slogans.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/peoplepower-win-after-sydney-teacher-paula-orbea-launches-petition-against-misogynistic-and-degrading-slogans-on-wicked-campers-vans/story-fnki1jcy-1226988321024 |title=People-power win after Sydney teacher Paula Orbea launches petition against 'misogynistic and degrading slogans' on Wicked Campers vans &#124; News.com.au |access-date=17 July 2014 |archive-date=17 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717041944/http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/peoplepower-win-after-sydney-teacher-paula-orbea-launches-petition-against-misogynistic-and-degrading-slogans-on-wicked-campers-vans/story-fnki1jcy-1226988321024 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of April 2016, they have not done so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.echo.net.au/2016/04/thousands-rail-against-van-companys-obscene-slogans/|title=Thousands rail against van company's obscene slogans|date=31 March 2016|website=The Echo}}</ref>
== References ==
<!--- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes on how to create references using <ref></ref> tags which will then appear here automatically -->
{{Reflist}}


The [[Australian Christian Lobby]] has campaigned in Queensland<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/calls-to-tackle-rude-vans/news-story/c6fa6201077732d556b9833ef0b99be9 |title=Calls to tackle rude vans |author=Riley, Rachel|date=12 March 2016|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/acl/pages/5341/attachments/original/1481862917/161115_-_ACL_Submission_Transport_Operations_(Road_Use_Management)_(Offensive_Advertising)_Amendment_Bill_2016_QLD.pdf?1481862917 |title=ACL Submission Transport Operations (Road Use Management) (Offensive Advertising) Amendment Bill 2016 QLD |access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> and in New South Wales<ref name = "ballina">{{cite news|url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/offensive-wicked-campervans-not-welcome-at-gold-coast-music-festival-splendour-in-the-grass/news-story/4275465d1e7fa4ad298d26601cd4f0ee |title=Offensive Wicked campervans not welcome at Gold Coast music festival Splendour in the Grass |author=Simonot, Suzanne|date=28 April 2016|work=Gold Coast Bulletin|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> in regards to the wording on Wicked Camper vans.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/07/15/christian-lobby-sees-red-over-wicked-vans |title=Christian lobby sees red over Wicked vans |access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="tas"/>


In December 2016 it was reported that the [[Advertising Standards Authority (New Zealand)|New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority]] upheld a number of complaints. Wicked Campers, "did not respond to the complaints board".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/87877639/killing-topless-women-and-wicked-campers-come-before-advertising-standards-authority |title=Killing, topless women and Wicked Campers come before Advertising Standards Authority|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>


==Federal and state government responses==
== External links ==
In November 2016, [[Premier of Queensland]] [[Annastacia Palaszczuk]] introduced legislation revoking the registration of commercial operators who refuse to remove offensive slogans from their vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/queensland/queensland-to-ban-sexist-slogans-on-campervans/news-story/b9aaaa769556023fde2d1bf6c3b2e1fb |title=Queensland to ban sexist slogans on campervans |access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>
* [http://www.wickedcampers.com/ Wicked Campers website]


In November 2016, Tasmanian Transport Minister [[Rene Hidding]] said that the Government would cancel the registration of vehicles displaying slogans he described as "vile and appalling".<ref name="tas">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-17/wicked-campers-with-'vile'-slogans-to-be-outlawed-in-tasmania/8033548 |title=Wicked Campers with 'vile and appalling' slogans to be outlawed in Tasmania |access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>


In December 2016, Victorian Minister for Women, [[Fiona Richardson]] said, "If we can do something to rid our roads of Wicked Campers, take down advertising that blurs the line between [[marketing]] and [[misogyny]] and turn the tables on the trolls, we will do it."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/secondary-education-victoria/women-to-get-equal-share-of-senior-state-jobs--but-not-yet-20161205-gt4491.html |title=Women to get equal share of senior state jobs - but not yet |author=Preiss, Benjamin|date=5 December 2016|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref>


In February 2017, a Queensland Parliamentary Committee recommended the legislation that will result in the cancellation of registration of vehicles with offensive slogans or advertisements that contravene advertising standards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2017/5517T27.pdf |title=Transport Operations (Road Use Management) (Offensive Advertising) Amendment Bill 2016 |author=Transportation and Utilities Committee|date=February 2017|work=Queensland Parliament|access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/queensland-hire-cars-to-be-tested-for-road-worthiness-under-new-proposal-20170202-gu47qz.html |title=Queensland hire cars to be tested for road worthiness under new proposal |author=Caldwell, Felicity|date=2 February 2017|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref>


On 2 August 2019, Transport ministers of Federal and all state governments agreed on a national strategy to deal with the issue.<ref name=natstrat /> On the same day, the Victorian transport minister announced the introduction of new laws which would ban vehicles displaying obscene slogans and images from travelling on Victorian roads.<ref name=natstrat />


==Local government responses==
Numerous caravan and camping parks and businesses pertaining to tourism have stated they will refuse entry to vans carrying offensive slogans. Following community groundswell opposing the wicked slogans that promote rape, indecent sexual behaviour, Indigenous disrespect, harm to native wildlife and other offensive imagery and slogans, the [[Blue Mountains City Council]] notified the community on 1 June 2016 that it is looking at various options to ban Wicked Campervans with offensive, misogynistic, racial and degrading slogans and imagery from council managed tourist/caravan parks within the [[Blue Mountains, New South Wales|Blue Mountains]]. Wicked Campers appear to enjoy the free negative promotions of its business that the slogans draw. However, they do not appear to be concerned about the implications on its market, generally young travelers, who may be influenced by these slogans to carry out actions that they would not normally otherwise do.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/west/council-seeks-to-ban-campervans-with-sexist-slogans/news-story/7edc5f841f0ff7d19d789477f851bb51|title=Blue Mountains Council seeks to ban Wicked campervans with 'degrading, sexist' slogans}}</ref>


[[Ballina Shire Council]] in NSW, has lobbied State Governments for, "action or legislative changes to ban the inappropriate messages".<ref name = "ballina"/>

==Other responses==
In April 2015, due to the offensive slogans, [[Lonely Planet]] removed Wicked Campers from its listings.<ref name = "lonely"/>

Writing in Australia’s media and marketing journal ''[[Mumbrella]]'', its marketing and advertising editor, Simon Canning has said, "Adland can thank Wicked Campers for getting the law involved in ad regulation",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mumbrella.com.au/adland-can-thank-wicked-campers-getting-law-involved-ad-regulation-431681 |title=Adland can thank Wicked Campers for getting the law involved in ad regulation |author=Canning, Simon|date=13 March 2017|work=Mumbrella|access-date=22 March 2017}}</ref> with ''Mumbrella'' describing Wicked Campers as being Australia’s most out-of-control advertiser.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://mumbrella.com.au/wicked-campers-ad-standards-100-433457 |title=Wicked Campers – Australia's most out-of-control advertiser – is first to reach 100 watchdog rulings |author=Burrows, Tim|date=18 March 2017|work=Mumbrella|access-date=22 March 2017}}</ref>

==Wicked Camper reaction==
The company mocks both the complainants, and the complaints against it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/politics/offensive-wicked-campers-to-be-banned-in-queensland-under-new-government-plan/news-story/3ec5eaaaa866b6c499ca9d91f432c65e |title=Offensive Wicked Campers to be banned in Queensland under new government plan |access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref><ref name= "lonely">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/get-these-puerile-vans-off-our-roads/news-story/32b605fea241e7d0e6c4d909e1f11cf9 |title=Get these puerile vans off our roads |author=Tuohy, Wendy|date=29 April 2015|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.wickedcampers.com/ Wicked Campers website]


{{Vehicle rental brands}}
{{Vehicle rental brands}}

[[Category:Car rental companies]]
[[Category:Recreational vehicles]]
[[Category:Car rental companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Companies based in Brisbane]]
[[Category:Companies based in Brisbane]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:Transport companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:2000 establishments in Australia]]

Latest revision as of 16:02, 8 August 2024

Wicked Campers
Founded2000
FounderJohn Webb
Headquarters,
Australia
ProductsCamper van rentals
Websitewww.wickedcampers.com

Wicked Campers is an Australian camper van rental company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.[1] Founded in 2000 by John Webb, the company also has outlets in other parts of Australia, along with New Zealand, together with operations in Europe, South Africa, Japan, and North and South America.[2]

Wicked Campers market their product towards younger drivers and backpackers. Each van features a spray painted design, often featuring pop culture references and slogans, which are often rude and offensive⁠—including statements perceived as misogynistic, anti-environmental, and disrespectful to Indigenous communities. Following moves by various Australian states to outlaw offensive slogans and images on vehicles, notably campervans belonging to Wicked Campers, on 2 August 2019 Federal and State government ministers agreed on a combined approach to deal with the issue.[3]

Controversies

[edit]

Wicked Campers have continually attracted media attention in Australia and New Zealand for their use of offensive slogans on their painted vans.[4][5][6][7][8] Between 2008 and 2012 the Australian Advertising Standards Board upheld numerous complaints about offensive slogans or other advertising.[9]

In 2010, according to the Daily Telegraph, the Queensland government released a report saying 90% of Wicked vans in the state were unroadworthy. Wicked took the vans off the road but claimed that the vans were safe.[10] It appears, however, that the number of vans that were taken off the road is a point of contention.[11]

In 2011, various media sources reported that Wicked Campers received criticism from animal rights activists for placing stickers inside their Australian vans with the text "Kangaroos, run the fuckers down." Wicked stated the stickers were to promote road safety and prevent vehicular rollovers.[12]

In November 2011 it was reported that the company trading as Wicked Campers had paid fines of $26,400 for 'misleading advertising' regarding camper van hire fees.[13] According to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, the company had 'failed to specify the single total price payable for the campervans and failed to adequately disclose certain mandatory fees and charges'.[14]

In July 2014 a petition opposing their sexist and misogynist slogans attracted over 100,000 signatures and protests in the Australian Senate. After pressure through the media, Wicked issued an apology and committed to removing the offensive slogans.[15] As of April 2016, they have not done so.[16]

The Australian Christian Lobby has campaigned in Queensland[17][18] and in New South Wales[19] in regards to the wording on Wicked Camper vans.[20][21]

In December 2016 it was reported that the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority upheld a number of complaints. Wicked Campers, "did not respond to the complaints board".[22]

Federal and state government responses

[edit]

In November 2016, Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk introduced legislation revoking the registration of commercial operators who refuse to remove offensive slogans from their vehicles.[23]

In November 2016, Tasmanian Transport Minister Rene Hidding said that the Government would cancel the registration of vehicles displaying slogans he described as "vile and appalling".[21]

In December 2016, Victorian Minister for Women, Fiona Richardson said, "If we can do something to rid our roads of Wicked Campers, take down advertising that blurs the line between marketing and misogyny and turn the tables on the trolls, we will do it."[24]

In February 2017, a Queensland Parliamentary Committee recommended the legislation that will result in the cancellation of registration of vehicles with offensive slogans or advertisements that contravene advertising standards.[25][26]

On 2 August 2019, Transport ministers of Federal and all state governments agreed on a national strategy to deal with the issue.[3] On the same day, the Victorian transport minister announced the introduction of new laws which would ban vehicles displaying obscene slogans and images from travelling on Victorian roads.[3]

Local government responses

[edit]

Numerous caravan and camping parks and businesses pertaining to tourism have stated they will refuse entry to vans carrying offensive slogans. Following community groundswell opposing the wicked slogans that promote rape, indecent sexual behaviour, Indigenous disrespect, harm to native wildlife and other offensive imagery and slogans, the Blue Mountains City Council notified the community on 1 June 2016 that it is looking at various options to ban Wicked Campervans with offensive, misogynistic, racial and degrading slogans and imagery from council managed tourist/caravan parks within the Blue Mountains. Wicked Campers appear to enjoy the free negative promotions of its business that the slogans draw. However, they do not appear to be concerned about the implications on its market, generally young travelers, who may be influenced by these slogans to carry out actions that they would not normally otherwise do.[27]

Ballina Shire Council in NSW, has lobbied State Governments for, "action or legislative changes to ban the inappropriate messages".[19]

Other responses

[edit]

In April 2015, due to the offensive slogans, Lonely Planet removed Wicked Campers from its listings.[28]

Writing in Australia’s media and marketing journal Mumbrella, its marketing and advertising editor, Simon Canning has said, "Adland can thank Wicked Campers for getting the law involved in ad regulation",[29] with Mumbrella describing Wicked Campers as being Australia’s most out-of-control advertiser.[30]

Wicked Camper reaction

[edit]

The company mocks both the complainants, and the complaints against it.[31][28]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Connolly, John (18 April 2009). "No business like slogan business". The Australian. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  2. ^ Is this the end for Wicked Campers obscene slogans? Triple J 21 July 2016
  3. ^ a b c "Transport ministers agree to national crackdown on vehicles displaying obscene messages". ABC online. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Wicked slogan 'goes too far'". Stuff.co.nz. NZPA. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  5. ^ Lawrence, Jessica (20 July 2008). "Campervan slogans are too Wicked for words". The Sunday Mail. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  6. ^ "Controversial campervan found". The Cairns Post. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  7. ^ Gough, Anthony. "Naked Truth on Wicked Campers". Courier Mail. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  8. ^ Bastow, Clem. "Why women should boycott Wicked Campervans". Daily Life. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  9. ^ "Advertising Standards Board Determinations". Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  10. ^ Dale, Amy (11 January 2010). "Tourists label Wicked campervans 'death traps'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  11. ^ "The Wicked Chronicles". Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  12. ^ Schefe, Yolande (6 February 2011). "Wicked Campers rapped for stickers encouraging drivers to run down kangaroos". The Sunday Mail. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  13. ^ "Wicked Campers fined over misleading ads". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  14. ^ "Wicked Campers pays infringement notices". Retrieved 9 February 2013.
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