Full Breakdown
One Nation’s Bluey Cartoons Prompt ABC Legal Action
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Background and Context
In 2024 One Nation’s “Please Explain” video series began depicting the popular children’s character Bluey in violent scenarios, including a scene where Bluey drives an SUV that runs over former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and conservationist Robert Irwin. The cartoons resurfaced in October 2026 after the alleged deliberate car attack on independent MP Helen Haines on Oct 19, which left her without both legs. The renewed attention led the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to announce legal steps against One Nation for unauthorised use of the Bluey character.
02
Data and Reach
The Guardian reported that the 2024 episode titled “State of Melbourne” had amassed 1.3 million views on YouTube. In contrast, the Sydney Morning Herald cited a view count of 572,000 for the same video. Both figures illustrate the wide public exposure of the content.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Official Statements & Responses
ABC managing director Hugh Marks told a Senate estimates hearing that the broadcaster does not own Bluey’s intellectual property, which is held by Ludo Studios and BBC Studios, and that One Nation had not sought permission.
04
On-the-Ground Reactions
Local mother Elisabeth Champion recounted that her five- and seven-year-old children were offered the Bluey-themed colouring book at the Mount Gambier show. She said, “One of the images has Bluey in it, and my children are huge Bluey fans, and that would be really distressing to see.” Champion reported the incident to the Australian Electoral Commission and the Ad Standards body, both of which said they do not handle political advertising complaints.
05
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Viewership numbers differ between outlets (1.3 million vs. 572 000). No public comment has been obtained from Ludo Studios, BBC Studios, or the ABC’s legal team regarding the precise legal strategy beyond the announced cease-and-desist. Additionally, the exact distribution scope of the Bluey colouring book—whether it was limited to South Australia’s Mount Gambier show or also circulated elsewhere—remains unclear.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not a parody of any Bluey work,” — Hugh Marks, ABC managing director “It’s not a parody of any Bluey work,” — Hugh Marks, ABC managing director
- “I’m not here to talk about the cartoons at the moment.” — Pauline Hanson, senator “I’m not here to talk about the cartoons at the moment.” — Pauline Hanson, senator
- “I think the ABC is well within its right to be concerned here.” — Anika Wells, communications minister “I think the ABC is well within its right to be concerned here.” — Ms Wells, concerned' communications minister
- “One of the images has Bluey in it, and my children are huge Bluey fans, and that would be really distressing to see.” — Elisabeth Champion, parent “One of the images has Bluey in it, and my children are huge Bluey fans, and that would be really distressing to see.” — Ms Champion
- “I appreciate it was published two years ago, but has a particular poignancy in the last week,” — Varun Ghosh, labor senator “I appreciate it was published two years ago, but has a particular poignancy in the last week,” — Varun Ghosh, labor senator