ABC to sue One Nation over Bluey
The broadcaster claims the party infringed intellectual property rights in a 2024 political cartoon.
By Kaito Sokolov ·
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation intends to send a cease and desist letter to One Nation regarding a viral cartoon that features the character Bluey in a violent crash. Managing director Hugh Marks stated the broadcaster will take further action to protect its intellectual property. The dispute centers on a 2024 animation titled State of Melbourne that has accumulated 1.3 million views on YouTube.
The issue emerged during a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday. Senator Varun Ghosh, who chairs the communications committee, asked Marks about legal advice concerning the clip. Ghosh noted the video was published two years ago but gained new relevance after an attack on independent MP Helen Haines left her without both legs. Marks said he learned of the potential breach last week and immediately sought legal counsel.
Marks described the cartoon as a clear infringement of the character's intellectual property. He explained that One Nation never requested permission to use Bluey. The ABC has contacted BBC Studios, the international distributor, and Ludo, the Brisbane-based creator. All three parties were approached for comment on the matter.
The three-minute video depicts Bluey driving an SUV into figures of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and conservationist Robert Irwin. In one scene, the Albanese character tells Bluey, "You've got that crazy look in your eyes." In another, Andrews and Albanese deliberately run over Bluey and Irwin before placing their bodies in the car's boot. Marks argued the use is not a parody and is disrespectful to the children who love the character.
The hearing also covered internal ABC changes. Marks revealed that former news director Justin Stevens received a termination payout of $353,230 to avoid working out his notice period. Stevens, who had a total remuneration of $864,394 for the year, was replaced last month by Reuters executive Simon Robinson. Stevens had worked at the broadcaster for 19 years.
Marks also addressed concerns about journalism standards under former Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal. The ABC removed several programs made by Fazal after a review found substantial flaws regarding his use of anonymous interviewees. The broadcaster is now reviewing its editorial guidance on anonymous sources. Former executive producer Sally Neighbour alleged in The Monthly that an associate of Fazal played different roles in different stories while wearing a mask.
Fazal has maintained that he stands by his reporting. In July, he expressed shock at the removal of two episodes and argued that the decisions set a worrying precedent for the organization's independence. The ABC stated that the entire leadership of the program has been replaced to ensure future standards are met.
