Key facts
- ABC will send a cease and desist letter to One Nation for using Bluey in a political cartoon.
- The cartoon depicts Bluey repeatedly ramming politicians with an SUV.
- ABC managing director Hugh Marks described the use as "shocking and disrespectful" and an infringement of intellectual property.
- The cartoon, titled State of Melbourne, shows Bluey striking depictions of Daniel Andrews, Anthony Albanese, and Robert Irwin.
- The ABC has contacted Bluey's international distributor, BBC Studios, and creators Ludo.
Australia's national broadcaster ABC is preparing to send a cease and desist letter to the rightwing One Nation party over its use of the children's character Bluey in a political cartoon. ABC managing director Hugh Marks informed Senate estimates on Tuesday that the party had used Bluey in a cartoon titled 'State of Melbourne' without permission, depicting the character repeatedly ramming politicians with an SUV. Marks described the use as "shocking and disrespectful" and a clear infringement of intellectual property. The ABC has consulted with Bluey's international distributor, BBC Studios, and the creators, Ludo, regarding the matter. The cartoon, which has garnered 1.3 million views on YouTube, also features depictions of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and TV host Robert Irwin.