Dennis, a public health student, noticed a growing number of junk food ads on buses and at train stations during his commute to university. He saw this as a fairness issue, since people who rely on public transport were being unfairly targeted with unhealthy products.
Determined to act, he initially contacted the Public Transport Authority, hoping to raise concerns about the public health impacts of advertising. Instead, he was quickly referred to the advertising company — and when he made contact, he was directed to Ad Standards. His complaints were not upheld, and he was advised to take the matter to a Member of Parliament.
Dennis reached out to seven or eight Members of Parliament seeking support. He was referred to the Minister of Health at the time, who did not respond. So Dennis created a petition to Parliament. However, he was unable to secure a Member of Parliament to formally facilitate or table it.
What happened
- Dennis raised concerns with the Public Transport Authority, the advertising company, and Ad Standards.
- His complaints were not upheld, and he was passed from body to body.
- He contacted seven or eight MPs and the Minister of Health, who did not respond.
- His petition to Parliament could not be tabled without an MP to facilitate it.
“It was exciting to see the opportunity for change and to apply what I was learning at university.”
Dennis, public health studentReflecting on the experience, Dennis shared that over time it became “disheartening to see how many obstacles there were to be successful.” The experience highlighted the need for clear pathways, accountability, and support networks for community members wanting change.
“Even when the system is complicated, it's still important to push for meaningful change.”
Dennis, public health studentDespite the obstacles, Dennis stayed optimistic. His story is a reminder that raising your voice matters — and that the barriers he ran into are exactly what the un-junk movement is working to change.
