Full Breakdown
ABC threatens legal action over One Nation’s use of Bluey in political cartoons
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation will issue a cease-and-desist letter to One Nation over a 2024 episode of the party’s *Please Explain* series that uses the children’s character Bluey. ABC managing director Hugh Marks told a Senate estimates hearing that the animation shows Bluey ramming politicians—including former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and conservationist Robert Irwin—with an SUV and placing the bodies in the boot. Marks said the broadcaster has sought legal advice and is “considering available options” to stop the unauthorised use.
02
Background & Context
Bluey is produced by Brisbane-based Ludo Studio and distributed internationally by BBC Studios. One Nation’s *Please Explain* series, led by party leader Pauline Hanson, repurposes the Bluey likeness in satirical videos. The episode titled *State of Melbourne* was first released in 2024 and resurfaced after the alleged vehicle attack on independent MP Helen Haines on October 19 2026, which left her without both legs. Labor senator Varun Ghosh noted the “particular poignancy” of the cartoon in light of that incident.
03
Data & Statistics
- The *State of Melbourne* video has amassed between 572,000 and 1.3 million views on YouTube, according to different outlets.
- Earlier *Please Explain* episodes also featured Bluey being run over by political figures.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- One Nation’s spokesperson rejected Marks’ claims, describing the ABC director as “impartial” and defending the cartoons as satire.
- Pauline Hanson declined to discuss the cartoons, saying she would focus on other issues such as inflation.
05
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Viewership figures differ: one outlet reports 572,000 views, while others cite 1.3 million. No definitive source has reconciled the discrepancy.
- The ABC argues the use falls outside fair-dealing provisions; One Nation maintains the material is protected satire. No court ruling has been issued, leaving the legal status unresolved.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not a parody of any Bluey work. It’s not a minor use of the IP. In my view, it is an infringement of the intellectual property, number one,” — Daniel Andrews.
- “I appreciate it was published two years ago, but has a particular poignancy in the last week,” — Varun Ghosh, Australian Labor senator.
- “I’m not here to talk about the cartoons at the moment.” — Pauline Hanson.
07
What’s Next
The ABC plans to send a formal cease-and-desist letter to One Nation within weeks and indicated that, if the videos are not removed, it may pursue injunctive relief and damages. The dispute will be examined further in parliamentary committees, and both BBC Studios and Ludo Studio have been contacted for comment.