The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has called for One Nation to immediately remove a cartoon featuring the popular children’s show Bluey.
ABC Calls for Bluey Cartoon Removal
The ABC’s managing director, Hugh Marks, said he became aware of the potential intellectual property breach last week.
He stated that the ABC sought legal advice after learning about the use of Bluey in a One Nation political cartoon.
The cartoon depicts Bluey, the beloved Australian character, driving a large SUV and repeatedly running over politicians.
The ABC does not own the intellectual property rights to Bluey. The character was created by Brisbane-based studio Ludo and distributed internationally by BBC Studios.
ABC officials said they are currently considering available options to address the issue.
As of Wednesday, the ABC has advised that the relevant cartoons should be removed from One Nation’s platforms and no further use should occur.
Industry and Government Respond
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the ABC is ‘well within its rights’ to be concerned about the use of Bluey.
She described Bluey as ‘one of Australia’s biggest, most loved, most well-known exports’.
Wells did not accuse One Nation of wrongdoing but affirmed the ABC’s right to protect cultural assets.
Bluey creators Ludo and distributor BBC Studios have begun discussions with the ABC to resolve the matter.
Background: What Is Bluey?
Bluey is a children’s animated series created by Ludo, a Brisbane-based studio.
The show is celebrated for its warmth, humour, and Australian cultural references.
It is one of Australia’s most successful exports in the entertainment sector.
Why This Matters
The incident highlights tensions between political satire and intellectual property rights.
While political cartoons are often used to critique public figures, the use of a widely recognised cultural icon raises legal and ethical questions.
It also reflects broader concerns about how digital platforms and media are used in political discourse.
Public trust in media institutions may be at risk if perceived as being used to suppress free speech or satire.
Limitations and Open Questions
The ABC has not confirmed whether the use of Bluey in the cartoon was intentional or accidental.
No official statement has been released by One Nation about the cartoon or its origins.
There is no public record of prior complaints about Bluey being used in political content.
Legal experts have not yet weighed in on whether the use constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights.
It remains unclear whether the ABC’s actions will set a precedent for future media use in political satire.
Further developments will depend on the outcome of discussions between Ludo, BBC Studios, and the ABC.
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Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
