Wicked Campers

Wicked Campers is an Australian camper van rental company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The company also has outlets in other parts of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, North America, South Africa and South America.

Wicked Campers market their product towards younger drivers and backpackers. Each van features a spray painted design, often featuring pop culture references and slogans, which are often rude and offensive.

Wicked Campers have continually attracted media attention in Australia and New Zealand for their use of offensive slogans on their painted vans. Between 2008 and 2012 the Australian Advertising Standards Board upheld numerous complaints about offensive slogans or other advertising.

In 2010, according to the Daily Telegraph, the Queensland government released a report saying 90% of Wicked vans in the state were unroadworthy. Wicked took the vans off the road but claimed that the vans were safe. It appears, however, that the number of vans that were taken off the road is a point of contention.

In 2011, various media sources reported that Wicked Campers received criticism from animal rights activists for placing stickers inside their Australian vans with the text "Kangaroos, run the fuckers down." Wicked stated the stickers were to promote road safety and prevent vehicular rollovers.

In November 2011 it was reported that the company trading as Wicked Campers had paid fines of AUD$26,400 for 'misleading advertising' regarding camper van hire fees. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the company had 'failed to specify the single total price payable for the campervans and failed to adequately disclose certain mandatory fees and charges'.

In July 2014 a petition opposing their allegedly sexist and misogynist slogans attracted over 100,000 signatures and protests in the Senate of the Australian Parliament. After pressure through the media, Wicked issued an apology and committed to removing the offensive slogans. As of April 2016, they have not done so.

The Australian Christian Lobby has campaigned in Queensland and in New South Wales in regards to the wording on Wicked Camper vans.

In December 2016 it was reported that the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority upheld a number of complaints. Wicked Campers, "did not respond to the complaints board".

In November 2016 the Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk introduced legislation revoking the registration of commercial operators who refuse to remove offensive slogans from their vehicles.

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Wikipedia