Jacinta Allan says Pauline Hanson ‘chooses to barrack for bullies’ over ‘ditch the witch’ billboard

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has publicly denounced a mobile billboard circulating in Melbourne that depicts her as a witch. The AI-generated imagery, which includes the slogan "ditch the witch," has been condemned by the Premier as sexist and hateful. In response to the display, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson suggested that Allan should ignore the criticism, prompting the Premier to accuse Hanson of siding with bullies. Allan emphasized that she will remain steadfast in calling out misogynistic rhetoric directed at her and other women in leadership. Despite ongoing speculation regarding her political future, the Premier stated that she intends to focus on her duties while refusing to tolerate abusive commentary. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of female politicians in the public sphere.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of gender-based harassment in Australian politics and the polarized debate surrounding how leaders should respond to public vitriol.