ABC Sends Cease and Desist to One Nation Over Bluey Cartoon 2026

The ABC is taking legal action against One Nation for using the children's character Bluey in a political cartoon that shows the beloved dog ramming politicians with an SUV. The national broadcaster will send a cease and desist letter to the rightwing populist party, calling the use "shocking and disrespectful."

The dispute highlights tensions over intellectual property in political messaging and raises questions about how iconic Australian cultural exports should be treated.

ABC's Managing Director Condemns Use of Bluey

Hugh Marks, the ABC's managing director, told Senate estimates on Tuesday that he became aware of One Nation's potential breach of intellectual property last week and immediately sought legal advice. "We will be taking further action, I can assure you," he said.

Marks said he believed the use is a clear breach of intellectual property and that "a cease and desist letter should be issued." He revealed the ABC had been in contact with Bluey's international distributor, BBC Studios, and the Brisbane-based creators Ludo.

The cartoon, titled State of Melbourne, was published in 2024 and has had 1.3 million views on YouTube so far. It depicts Bluey repeatedly ramming politicians with an SUV.

Political Cartoon Gains New Attention After Attack

The legal dispute came to light after Western Australian Labor senator Varun Ghosh asked the ABC if it had sought legal advice over the cartoon. "I appreciate it was published two years ago, but has a particular poignancy in the last week," Ghosh, the communications committee chair, said.

Estimates was held a week after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her northern Victorian electorate office, which led to her losing both legs. The cartoon's violent imagery has drawn renewed scrutiny in light of the real-life violence.

Pauline Hanson's party had not sought permission to use the children's character, according to Marks. The ABC is now preparing to formally demand that One Nation stop using Bluey.

Why This Matters for Copyright and Political Speech

The case raises important questions about the boundaries of fair use and political expression. While political cartoons often use satire and parody, the use of a protected character like Bluey without permission crosses a line, according to the ABC.

Bluey is a global phenomenon and a significant Australian cultural export. Its creators and distributors have a vested interest in protecting the character's image, especially from association with violent or controversial content.

The cease and desist letter is a formal step that could lead to further legal action if One Nation does not comply. It remains to be seen how the party will respond.

• The ABC is taking legal action against One Nation for using Bluey in a violent cartoon.
• The cartoon, titled State of Melbourne, shows Bluey ramming politicians with an SUV.
• The ABC's managing director says the use is a clear breach of intellectual property.
• The dispute gained attention after a real-life attack on MP Helen Haines.
• One Nation did not seek permission to use the character.

What Happens Next in the Bluey Copyright Dispute

The ABC's decision to send a cease and desist letter is a strong signal that it intends to enforce its rights. If One Nation refuses to remove the cartoon, the broadcaster could pursue further legal remedies. The background to this story is set out in AI Copyright Warning: Husic Fights for Fair Pay in Australia. A related thread runs through Labor's Immigration Policy Challenge: One Nation Threat. Earlier coverage in Labor's Immigration Policy and One Nation Challenge shows how the argument developed.

The case also serves as a reminder to political parties and content creators about the importance of respecting intellectual property. Using well-known characters without permission can lead to legal consequences, especially when the use is controversial. A closer look at the same subject appears in Wolfoo Copyright Infringement: Peppa Pig Wins Legal Battle. Anyone following the wider picture can start with One Nation Threatens Nationals in Regional Victoria. The same theme surfaces in One Nation to Establish Headquarters in Brisbane Office, which takes a different angle.

As the story develops, it will be interesting to see whether One Nation complies with the demand or challenges it. The outcome could set a precedent for how political cartoons use copyrighted material in Australia. Context on how this played out before sits in Australian Politics Live: Chalmers on One Nation Supporters. A companion piece, One Nation Sleepovers at Gina Rinehart's Mansion Revealed, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ

For those following Australian politics, the dispute is a notable moment in the intersection of law and political speech. It also underscores the value of iconic characters like Bluey and the determination of rights holders to protect them.

As the situation unfolds, observers will watch closely to see how One Nation responds and whether the cartoon is removed. The case may also prompt discussions about the use of copyrighted material in political satire.

In the meantime, the ABC's action sends a clear message that it will not tolerate unauthorized use of its intellectual property, especially in a manner it considers disrespectful.