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This paper reports on a qualitative study designed to examine young drivers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding drug-driving, as the formative research for a potential drug-driving social marketing program in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Drug driving has been found to be associated with motor vehicle accidents, particularly among younger drivers. However, the potential for social marketing in this area has received little attention. This study found that young people were not aware of the effects of drugs on driving, formed their perceptions of risk (both of getting caught and of impaired driving) based on other people's experiences, and felt that there were potential benefits to drug driving and substantial barriers to the alternative behaviours (such as using public transport).

Formative research was undertaken in the Illawarra region of New South Wales (south of Sydney, Australia) to identify local communication strategies to influence the help-seeking behavior of young people in relation to a new youth-focused general practice (or physician) led mental health service. Research with the target market (12–25years) revealed the need for a local campaign to address the stigma associated with the use of mental health services and the need to emphasize the central role of the general practitioner or physician to the service. The results also indicated that any overarching campaign should be complemented by segment-specific strategies which tailor not only communication variables and channels to reach different market segments, but also consider varying aspects of the product or service to reach a broad cross-section of the target group.

Food advertising is a contentious issue in regards to childhood obesity and has increasing importance on the public policy agenda both in Australia and overseas. This study examines the nature and extent of food advertising/promotions on five popular children's websites, each of which is the website for a top-selling magazine and targets children aged eight to12 years. The websites were monitored in two time periods: December 2005 and November-December 2007. Food product promotions targeting children via these websites were commonplace, with food products appearing in many website links. Much of this promotion was indirect and subtle, with most products associated with games, competitions or prizes.