Published 1:38p.m. 17th July 2008

Updated 2:01p.m. 17th July 2008

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has vowed to stamp out controversial slogans being used by a campervan rental company after one of its vehicles was spotted with "Save a Whale - Harpoon a Jap" in far north Queensland.

Cairns locals have been asked to photograph the Wicked Campers van to provide evidence for the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) who will decide if it breaches the racial discrimination standards.

"I don't think there's any doubt that this slogan on a van in Cairns is racism, and racism has no place in Queensland," Ms Bligh said.

"I think it's important to reassure the people of Japan that Japanese tourists are welcomed with open arms here in Queensland, and no more warmly than they are in Cairns."

Ms Bligh said she had already made a complaint and encouraged the public to do the same.

"This latest slogan on the side of a Wicked van I think has really descended into bad taste and one that is damaging our reputation internationally," she said.

"I would encourage anybody who sees these sorts of slogans to bring them to the attention of the relevant authorities, because I'm determined to stamp it out."

Ms Bligh last month made a formal complaint about Wicked Campers to the ASB after being disgusted by vehicle slogans.

ASB chief executive Alison Abernethy said the ASB board has considered complaints about six vans, including Ms Bligh's complaint.

The result will be made public on Monday.

Ms Abernethy said they had not yet received an official complaint about the latest slogan.

"I'm urging community members, if they are offended by that van to put in a complaint about it," she said.

Queensland's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Susan Booth said racial vilification laws applied "parody or not".

"Racial vilification can include slogans that ridicule someone on the basis of their race," Ms Booth said.

"I would warn all Queensland businesses those laws do exist here."

Wicked Campers are being sought for comment.

In March, Wicked Campers in New Zealand removed slogans vilifying gays from one of its vans after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled it would be "likely to cause serious and widespread offence".

New Zealand's ASA responded to a complaint made by a member of the public.

> In other news, TV soap Neighbours has been accused of being 'too white'.

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