ABC to demand rightwing One Nation party stop using Bluey in ‘shocking and disrespectful’ cartoon
News Source
•Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:14:18 GMT
📰 What Happened
The ABC will send a legal warning to One Nation for using the cartoon dog Bluey in a political video. The 2024 video, called State of Melbourne, shows Bluey ramming politicians with an SUV. It has about 1.3 million views on YouTube.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks told a Senate committee on Tuesday that he learned of the possible copyright breach last week and got legal advice. He said the broadcaster will take further action. The question was raised by Labor senator Varun Ghosh.
🔍 The Backstory
Bluey is made by Ludo Studio for the ABC and is one of Australia's most successful exports. The show is watched by children and adults in many countries, and the ABC holds rights to the character.
The video drew fresh attention a week after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Labor has criticised other One Nation cartoons, including one showing senator Penny Wong being killed. Pauline Hanson has said the videos are not going anywhere.
🎯 Why It Matters
Bluey is a show for young children. Using a kids' character in violent political videos upsets parents and tests how far political speech should go.
The ABC will send a legal warning to One Nation for using the cartoon dog Bluey in a political video. The 2024 video, called State of Melbourne, shows Bluey ramming politicians with an SUV. It has about 1.3 million views on YouTube.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks told a Senate committee on Tuesday that he learned of the possible copyright breach last week and got legal advice. He said the broadcaster will take further action. The question was raised by Labor senator Varun Ghosh.
Bluey is made by Ludo Studio for the ABC and is one of Australia's most successful exports. The show is watched by children and adults in many countries, and the ABC holds rights to the character.
The video drew fresh attention a week after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Labor has criticised other One Nation cartoons, including one showing senator Penny Wong being killed. Pauline Hanson has said the videos are not going anywhere.
Bluey is a show for young children. Using a kids' character in violent political videos upsets parents and tests how far political speech should go.