Media, marketing and advertising key industry bodies have launched the Psychosocial Safety Code of Conduct, a framework designed to create safer, healthier work environments.
This initiative represents a commitment across the industry to set a new standard for workplace wellbeing while ensuring compliance with evolving Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) obligations related to psychosocial risks.
The Code is the result of an industry-wide effort led by the Media Federation of Australia (MFA) in partnership with the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), Advertising Council Australia (ACA), Interactive Advertising Bureau Australia (IAB), Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), Outdoor Media Association (OMA), and ThinkTV – as well as pitching and client relationship consultants – reflecting the shared responsibility of agencies, advertisers, media owners, tech companies and other stakeholders to prioritise psychosocial safety.
The code, developed in response to recent changes to Australia’s WHS regulations, helps employers identify, assess, and eliminate or reduce risks associated with work-related stress, also known as psychosocial hazards. It distills complex regulatory requirements into practical, industry-specific guidance to support compliance, tailored to the unique dynamics of the advertising supply chain.
MFA CEO Sophie Madden said the media industry thrives on collaboration, which often comes with high-pressure environments and multiple stakeholders.
"The code empowers businesses to navigate these challenges while protecting their people and meeting legal obligations," she said.
"Our goal is to deliver great work while safeguarding the wellbeing of those who make it happen. Guided by our industry purpose of We Are The Changers, the MFA is immensely proud to lead this important initiative, ensuring that everyone in our industry is protected, supported and empowered to thrive."
ACA CEO Tony Hale said this code is the culmination of 18 months of extensive industry consultation.
"Every potential scenario that could contribute to harm was carefully considered, resulting in a tailored framework designed specifically for the media and marketing industry," he said.
"The industry coming together like this is a significant achievement, contributing to collective progress and ensuring we remain a sector where creativity thrives, talent flourishes and people come first."
Key features of the Code include:
- Clear industry-wide responsibilities for media agencies, creative agencies, clients and media owners.
- A structured approach to consultation, cooperation and coordination within the advertising supply chain.
- Guidance on integrating psychosocial safety into client-agency contracts to ensure compliance from the outset.
- Practical steps for hazard identification, management, and resolution in fast-paced, high-stakes work environments.
The code builds on last year’s launch of the MFA People First – A Playbook for Leaders on Psychosocial Safety, a comprehensive resource equipping leaders with the necessary tools and insights to prioritise mental wellbeing, creating workplaces that not only safeguard people but also promote a culture of inclusivity and care.
The MFA is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 12, from 2pm–3:30pm, to educate industry leaders on the critical importance of psychosocial safety and the code.
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