Former prime minister Julia Gillard and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have joined a chorus of politicians condemning a truck-mounted billboard that features Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan alongside the phrase 'ditch the witch'. The billboards, seen travelling through Melbourne for about six weeks, also display AI-generated images of Allan wearing a black pointed hat and with warts on her chin, sandwiched between advertisements for a brothel.
Political Reaction
Speaking to reporters in Canberra on Monday, Albanese described the advertising campaign as 'sexist' and 'totally unacceptable', adding that it 'has no place in public life'. The controversy has sparked widespread debate about the treatment of female politicians in Australia.
Other Top News
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- Missing Melbourne teacher allegedly drugged and murdered by brother in India.
- Australia's Kurtis Marschall beats pole vault king Duplantis: 'I didn't mean to spoil the show'.
- Strong earthquake strikes southern Philippines with tsunami warnings issued.
- Trump walks out of interview with NBC's Meet the Press after clash over election claims.
In Pictures
A stripped-back take on Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman has dominated this year's Tonys, winning six awards, while Lesley Manville and John Lithgow took home lead acting trophies.
What They Said
Dr Richard Scolyer, who died at age 59, shared his 'greatest lesson' in an open letter to Australians. Diagnosed with grade-four inoperable brain cancer in May 2023 and given six to eight months to live, he underwent novel immunotherapy treatments in a world first, successfully slowing the growth of glioblastoma until its return in early 2025. He said: 'I wanted to keep contributing, even in my darkest hour.'
The Sunday Read
When news broke that Australia will buy only secondhand nuclear submarines from the US, it signalled a major shift in the Aukus deal. Emma Shortis, director of international and security affairs at the Australia Institute, asks: what's a few secondhand subs between friends? Listen to the episode here.
Before Bed Read
Melbourne psychologist Carly Dober reports that clients of all ages, from teenagers to those in their mid-50s, are experiencing reduced memory, shortened attention spans, and reduced ability to concentrate. She suggests making scrolling harder by creating obstacles, giving your rational brain time to catch up with your impulsive thumb.
Daily Word Game
Today's starter word is: EAT. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
