Protection of Word 'Anzac'
Regulations
The Protection
of Word 'Anzac' Regulations were made in
1921 under the War Precautions Act Repeal Act 1920 to protect the
word 'Anzac', and any word which resembles it, from inappropriate use.
Since the word 'Anzac' was coined to
describe the joint Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World
War One it has come to represent the values of courage, determination
and mateship epitomised by those who serve in the defence of our
nation.
- The Protection of Word 'Anzac'
Regulations were created in recognition of the importance of the
word to Australians and the deep and enduring interest of the
ex-service and wider community in ensuring that it is not used
inappropriately.
- The Regulations prohibit, without
the authority of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the use of the
word 'Anzac' or any similar word in connection with
- a trade, business, calling or
profession or
- in connection with any
entertainment or
- any lottery or
- art union or
- as the name or part of the name
of any private residence or
- boat, vehicle or
- charitable or other
institution, or
- any building in connection
therewith.
However, the Regulations do not
preclude use of the words 'Anzac Day' in connection with an
entertainment (as defined under the Regulations) held on 25 April or
consecutive days that include 25 April under certain conditions.
Regulation 3 also prohibits, without
the authority of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the use of the word
'Anzac' or any similar word on streets, roads or parks, unless the
street, road or park has in its immediate vicinity a memorial relating
to a world war, or was so named prior to the commencement of the
Regulation.
Customs (Prohibited Imports)
Regulations
In addition to the Protection
of Word 'Anzac' Regulations, the word 'Anzac' is further protected
under the Customs
(Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.
These Regulations prohibit the importation of goods with 'Anzac' in
their description (or a similar word) or which bear the word 'Anzac' (or
a similar word), and associated advertising material, without the
permission of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs.
Matters considered by the Minister
when assessing requests to use the word 'Anzac'
In the consideration of applications
for approval to use the word 'Anzac', the need to protect the
significance of the relationship of the word with the bravery and
self-sacrifice of the first Anzacs is of paramount importance to the
Minister.
Matters usually considered by the
Minister in deciding whether to approve an application include, but is
not limited to:
- the intent of the Regulations;
- the views of the ex-service community;
- commercial aspects; and
- commemorative and educational benefits.
Types of Applications Generally
Approved
Although each application is
considered on its individual merits, there are several types of
applications that are generally approved.
Biscuits
In 1994 a general policy relating to biscuit
products was adopted. The policy recognises that the names "Anzac
biscuit" and "Anzac slice" have been in general use in
Australia for many years, recipes appear in many cookbooks and biscuits
are sold at numerous small fetes and fundraising events.
Approvals for the word 'Anzac' to be
used on biscuit products have been given on the proviso that the product
generally conforms to the traditional recipe and shape, is not
advertised in any way that would play on Australia's military heritage,
and is not used in association with the word 'cookies', which is
considered to have non-Australian overtones.
Businesses located on Roads,
Streets, Avenues or Highways
As a general principle, the use of the word
'Anzac' is also approved in the name of a business located on a road,
street, avenue or highway that includes the word 'Anzac', provided that
the full name of that road, street, avenue or highway is included, for
example Anzac Avenue Fruit Mart. In these cases it is considered
that the public would generally associate such a name with its location
rather than with the usual meaning of the word 'Anzac'.
RSL Headquarters
RSL Headquarters have traditionally been located
in buildings named ANZAC House. Successive Ministers have approved this
name for a number of buildings.
Contact Details
If you wish to seek the Minister's
approval to use the word 'Anzac' under the Protection of Word 'Anzac'
Regulations or to import goods bearing the word 'Anzac' under the
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations please write to the:
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Applicants seeking the Minister's
approval should provide as much detail as possible concerning the
proposed use of the word 'Anzac' including pictures or samples of
proposed products where appropriate. For enquiries please contact the
Parliamentary and Secretariat Section of the Department of Veterans'
Affairs on
(02) 6289 6475 or (02) 6289 6708. |
