Pauline Hanson denies responsibility for One Nation’s Bluey colouring book

Pauline Hanson denied responsibility on Wednesday, 28 October, for a One Nation colouring book depicting the children’s character Bluey at knifepoint, after it was distributed at a country show in South Australia, the Guardian reported. The dispute adds to scrutiny of the party’s use of Bluey in its political cartoons.

Asked about the book, Hanson first said she would not discuss it, then said it was a matter for the party and its executive. The Guardian reported that the cover identified it as ‘Pauline Hanson’s One Nation colouring book’ and had spaces for a child’s name and age.

Where the Bluey colouring book appeared

A spokesperson for Hanson had no further comment when the Guardian asked about the Ekka footage. ABC News separately reported that the book was handed out from a One Nation booth in South Australia and that Hanson referred questions about it to the party and executive.

Why the ABC wants One Nation’s Bluey cartoons removed

The book emerged amid a separate dispute over One Nation’s Please Explain cartoons. ABC managing director Hugh Marks told Senate estimates on Tuesday, 27 October, that the broadcaster was considering legal action over the use of Bluey, according to ABC News. The ABC called for the relevant cartoons to be removed immediately and for One Nation to stop using the character.

ABC News described a 2024 cartoon in which Bluey and former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews were depicted running over each other in cars. Marks said Bluey’s intellectual property belongs to its creator, Ludo Studio, while BBC Studios distributes the program. The ABC said it was considering its available options; no legal outcome has been announced.

Asked whether One Nation’s use of Bluey breached intellectual property rights, Hanson replied ‘No’, the Guardian reported. Communications Minister Anika Wells told ABC Radio National that the broadcaster was right to be concerned and called on One Nation to explain the cartoons.