Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have joined a growing chorus of politicians condemning a truck-mounted billboard campaign targeting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan with the phrase 'ditch the witch'. The billboards, which have been seen around Melbourne for approximately six weeks, feature AI-generated images of Allan wearing a black pointed hat and warts on her chin, alongside advertisements for a brothel.
Albanese calls campaign 'totally unacceptable'
Speaking to reporters in Canberra on Monday, Albanese described the advertising as 'sexist' and 'totally unacceptable', stating it has 'no place in public life'. He emphasised the need to encourage women to enter public life and urged a focus on 'a contest of ideas, not personal attacks'. Albanese also called for a reduction in political tensions, warning against the potential for tragedy given the increased threats against politicians. He criticised the 'personal ways' in which mainstream media characterises public figures, though he did not provide specific examples.
Gillard expresses disgust
In a statement on social media, Gillard expressed her disgust at the resurrection of the phrase, which was used against her during her tenure as prime minister fifteen years ago. She noted that while she had believed things were slowly improving for women in politics, this campaign marks a regression. 'I am saddened to see that improvement cast aside and this tired old trope resurrected,' she said. The phrase 'ditch the witch' was infamously displayed on a poster behind then-Opposition Leader Tony Abbott during an anti-carbon tax rally in 2011, which Gillard referenced in her iconic 'misogyny speech' in parliament.
Allan responds to sexist attacks
On Sunday, one of the AI-generated images from the billboard appeared in the Herald Sun alongside a story about a possible leadership spill against Allan. The premier released a statement declaring that 'sexism has no place in our political debate, full stop'. She questioned who would be next to face such attacks and highlighted the secretive, well-funded nature of the campaign. The Age reported that the billboards were partially funded by Franco Puleo, owner of the Gotham City brothel in South Melbourne, who denied the slogan was sexist, claiming it reflects public sentiment.
Political reactions
Victorian Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny criticised the campaign on social media, stating that women in public life should not have to accept abuse and misogyny as part of their job. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson described the billboards as 'inappropriate' and confirmed the opposition had no involvement. Nationals Leader Matt Canavan said he wouldn't advertise in that way but accused Labor of using the outrage to protect a failing government. One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson told Allan to 'suck it up, sweetheart', adding that she herself had been called a witch long before Allan.
