ABC could take legal action against One Nation over ‘shocking and disrespectful’ use of Bluey
The ABC is considering legal action against One Nation for using Bluey in an episode of its controversial cartoon series which sees the beloved children’s character run over politicians in a car.
Pauline Hanson batted away questions about the matter from reporters at Parliament House and responded to whether her usage has breached the law with a simple: “No.”
The ABC will launch legal action against One Nation for using Bluey in an episode of its controversial cartoon series which sees the beloved children’s character run over politicians in a car. YouTube/Pauline Hanson
A 2024 episode of One Nation’s Please Explain series titled The State of Melbourne has 1.3 million views on YouTube and depicts Bluey running over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews with a car.
In another moment, Albanese and Andrews are depicted running over Bluey and conservationist Robert Irwin and putting their bodies in the boot of their car.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks told a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday he became aware of the episode when it resurfaced in light of the alleged deliberate car attack on independent MP Helen Haines, and has sought advice.
“We will be taking further action, I can assure you,” he said.
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While the ABC does not own the intellectual property for Bluey, the broadcaster has been in contact with the show’s international distributor, BBC Studios, and Brisbane-based creators Ludo.
The national broadcaster found One Nation had not sought permission to use the character in its online series.
Marks said he believed the usage was a clear breach and a “cease and desist letter should be issued”.
“It’s not a parody of any Bluey work,” he said.
“In my view, it is an infringement of the intellectual property, number one. But it’s also a shocking use of Australia’s most loved character.
“In fact, probably the globally most loved character in a video that is both shocking and disrespectful to the children of Australia who love that character so much.”
Hugh Marks, Managing Director, ABC, during a Senate estimates hearing at Parliament House in Canberra. Alex Ellinghausen
An ABC spokesperson said it is “very concerned” about the use of Bluey for One Nation’s “political purposes”.
“The ABC is considering available options. In the meantime, the ABC considers the relevant cartoons should be immediately removed from One Nation’s platforms and no further use should occur,” the spokesperson said.
Communications Minister Anika Wells told the ABC it is “well within in rights” to be concerned about One Nation’s use of Bluey.
“Bluey is one of Australia’s biggest, most loved, most well-known exports. I think the ABC’s well within its right to be concerned here,” she said.
“Given it’s now looking at legal options, I shouldn’t say any more, but I will say to you that Bluey has a lot more production value than One Nation’s cartoons.”
Senate estimates hearing chair Labor Senator Varun Ghosh said it has a “particular poignancy” as Haines remains in hospital with a double leg amputation after she was hit by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta in regional Victoria last Monday.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett drew a direct link between inflamed political rhetoric and the rise in violent threats on the ABC on Sunday.
When asked the One Nation Bluey episode, she said there was a reaction when “examples like that” happen.
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