One Nation blasted over 'deeply disturbing' car-ramming cartoon after Helen Haines attack

One Nation faces criticism over a cartoon depicting politicians being run down by a vehicle, following the attack on federal MP Helen Haines.

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A cartoon released by One Nation has resurfaced online, sparking criticism and calls for the party to remove it and apologise. The animation, titled 'The State of Melbourne', features cartoon versions of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews being struck by a vehicle.

The cartoon, which was released several years ago, begins with a reference to Andrews' involvement in a collision with a teenage cyclist before taking a darker turn, depicting politicians — and even Robert Irwin and Bluey — being deliberately run down.

Australians online have demanded that One Nation remove the cartoon in the wake of the tragedy in Wangaratta, with many calling for the party to take accountability. UNSW academic Dr Ayesha Jehangir, whose research examines how media narratives can shape perceptions of conflict and violence, branded the video 'deeply disturbing'.

Dr Jehangir warned that satire is not a free pass from responsibility and that repeated depictions of political opponents as objects of violence risk trivialising aggression. She also stated that something can be intended as satire and still contribute to a culture in which hostility towards political opponents becomes entertainment.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in a press conference that authorities are charging 'almost one individual every week' for targeting Commonwealth parliamentarians or high office holders with threats. However, there is no suggestion that the cartoon influenced the alleged attack on Haines or that the two incidents are linked.