ABC demands far-right party cease using 'Bluey' in political content

Australia's ABC has formally requested that the far-right One Nation party discontinue use of the beloved animated character 'Bluey' in its political communications. The directive follows heightened scrutiny of a 2024 political cartoon published by the party that depicted the character driving over an Australian politician.

The renewed attention to the cartoon emerged after an independent lawmaker was deliberately struck by a vehicle on October 19. Helen Haines was targeted in what authorities are investigating as a deliberate attack, prompting fresh examination of inflammatory political imagery circulating in public discourse.

The ABC's intervention reflects broader concerns about the use of recognisable cultural symbols in divisive political messaging. 'Bluey,' an internationally successful Australian children's programme, has become emblematic of inclusive family entertainment and holds significant cultural resonance across the Asia-Pacific region.

One Nation has not publicly responded to the ABC's demand at the time of reporting. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Australian politics regarding the boundaries of acceptable campaign rhetoric and the potential real-world consequences of inflammatory political content.