Junk Mail - Unsolicited Advertising Material

Unsolicited advertising material (or junk mail) is advertising material, for a commercial purpose, not addressed by name to an owner or occupier of the premises. Common examples of unsolicited advertising material (UAM) include takeaway food vouchers, shop catalogues, magazines, leaflets from real estate agents, refrigerator magnets or letters advertising the services of a tradesperson, as well as letters addressed ‘to the householder’ or ‘to the occupier’.

You should not be receiving UAM if you have a clear sign on your mailbox, fence or other place for receiving mail that states ‘No Advertising Material’, ‘No Junk Mail’, ‘Australia Post Mail Only’ or words to that effect (Note, there are exceptions for newspapers). Unsolicited advertising material must be placed securely into a mailbox (or similar receptacle for mail or newspapers) or under a door. No document can be left on a vehicle, building or associated fixed structure without express permission from the registered owner or operator—unless it is for a reasonable purpose like a parking fine or leaving contact details after an accident.

Material that does not contain advertising content for a commercial purpose are not classed as UAM, and can therefore be placed in your letterbox. Common examples are political campaign material, letters from neighbourhood watch groups, correspondence advising of lost animals, local council newsletters and infringement notices (e.g. parking fine attached to a vehicle).