A controversial One Nation cartoon showing Australian politicians being deliberately struck by a vehicle has resurfaced after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines, reigniting a fierce debate over the limits of political satire.
Called The State of Melbourne, the cartoon was produced by One Nation two years ago. It features animated depictions of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews being hit by a vehicle.
The video opens with a reference to Andrews’ involvement in a collision with a teenage cyclist, before taking a far darker turn. It shows a vehicle intentionally running down politicians and well-known Australian figures, including Robert Irwin and Bluey.
Its return to public attention following the alleged attack on Haines has prompted calls for the cartoon to be removed, while others have defended it as an example of political humour.
“There are better, mature, less violent, less aggressive ways to deliver a message,” one person said.
Another described it as “gutter politics at its worst”, adding: “She doesn’t deserve to be a senator. She’s a disgrace to Australian politics. Just when you thought she couldn’t get any lower.”
However, other Australians argued the cartoon was being unfairly condemned over an incident that occurred years after it was released.
“What happened was horrific, but are you for real? A cartoon that came out long before it happened,” one Australian said.
A controversial One Nation cartoon depicting Australian politicians being deliberately mowed down by a vehicle has resurfaced following the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines, sparking a heated debate over whether the political satire has gone too far
The cartoon was first published by One Nation two years ago but has resurfaced after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, with many Australians saying it crossed the line
Another person said: “Remember when Australia could laugh and not be so politically correct? These videos are hilarious.”
A third added: “Oh now, One Nation can predict the future through cartoons? And I only thought The Simpsons could do that!”
Dr Haines had both legs amputated after 43-year-old Brendan Nugent allegedly struck her deliberately with his four-wheel-drive vehicle.
She remains in a critical condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
The alleged attack occurred on Monday outside Dr Haines’ electoral office in Wangaratta, about three hours north-east of Melbourne.
Nugent, whom neighbours said lived alone on a remote property in nearby Tarrawingee, appeared briefly in court on Wednesday. He faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious harm.
His lawyer, Chirag Patel, told the court that Nugent had not previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition. However, he expressed concern about his client’s psychological wellbeing and requested an assessment.
The motivation behind the alleged attack remains unclear.
There is no suggestion that the One Nation video influenced the alleged attack on Haines or that the two incidents are connected.
Senator Hanson was forced to apologise for her cartoon mocking Jacqui Lambie’s health battle with vaginal prolapse
It’s not the first time a One Nation cartoon has sparked controversy this week.
Pauline Hanson was forced to apologise after the party’s latest Please Explain cartoon was accused of mocking independent senator Jacqui Lambie’s struggle with vaginal prolapse.
The animation sparked backlash from politicians across the political divide, with Lambie publicly condemning One Nation on Monday.
Speaking in Tasmania that same day, Hanson initially dismissed the criticism, telling Lambie to ‘get over it’.
‘Jacqui Lambie, get over it… it is actually satirical.’
‘I think she’s taken it to heart, which she shouldn’t be. You know, have a good look at it, and have a bit of a laugh Jacqui, and lighten up,’ she added.
But by Tuesday, Hanson had reversed her position and issued an apology, claiming she had not seen the cartoon before it was published.
‘The video went up without me actually seeing it, and I was not aware of its content. I have spoken to the creator of that video and I’ve asked him to actually change it,’ Senator Hanson told News24.
‘I respect people’s views and opinions out there and it wasn’t as tastefully done as it could have been. And I do apologise for that, and I’ve already spoken to them about changing it.’