Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan has vehemently condemned a controversial mobile billboard circulating Melbourne, labeling it an egregious display of disrespect towards women and a dangerous contributor to the pervasive issue of gendered violence. The truck, bearing an image depicting the Premier as a 'witch,' has reappeared on city streets despite having been briefly removed and drawing widespread criticism from across the political spectrum.

Speaking forcefully on the issue, Premier Allan articulated her fury over the recent surge in gendered violence, which has seen four women and girls tragically lose their lives across Australia, two of them within Victoria, in a mere four-day period this month. She underscored the critical link between pervasive disrespect and violence, stating, "Violence against women starts with disrespect for women."

The Premier emphasized that tackling this crisis requires a profound societal shift, asserting, "We have to drive cultural change. Governments can't do this alone; it requires society." She highlighted that the term 'witch' has historically been weaponized to "attack and bring down" and "dehumanise" women, arguing that its public display sends a "corrosive" message about the lack of respect for women that demands immediate rectification.

Allan further warned that such imagery delivers a dangerous message to young boys and girls, potentially normalizing harmful attitudes rather than being dismissed as mere political "rough and tumble." She stressed the importance of unequivocally condemning such portrayals, noting, "That is why it is dangerous, it is corrosive, and why it should be at every turn condemned and not just seen as part of the rough and tumble [of politics]."

Widespread Condemnation

The mobile billboard has indeed garnered significant condemnation from across the political divide since its initial appearance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously described the campaign as "sexist" and "totally unacceptable," drawing parallels to the denigration faced by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard during her tenure.

Ms Gillard herself expressed dismay at the resurfacing of such "tired old tropes" in June, stating she was "saddened to see that improvement cast aside." While many state Opposition MPs also denounced the slogans, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson offered a contrasting view, advising the Premier to "suck it up, sweetheart."

Funding and Regulatory Issues

Investigations revealed that Melbourne brothel Gotham City confirmed its involvement in funding the controversial campaign, alongside other businesses. The truck briefly disappeared from public view last week after its driver received a defect notice, prompting concerns about its regulatory compliance.

However, after presenting the vehicle to VicRoads for inspection and being deemed roadworthy, police confirmed they would not be taking further action regarding the vehicle itself, stating, "As such, police will not be taking any further action in respect to the vehicle." This development has allowed the billboard to return to circulation, reigniting the debate over its offensive content and its perceived impact on public discourse regarding women.