One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has defended controversial comments directed at Victorian premier Jacinta Allan after a roving billboard campaign featuring the phrase “ditch the witch” sparked widespread criticism.
Speaking to Sky News, Hanson listed a range of issues she claimed Victorians were concerned about, including escalating crime and renewable energy infrastructure projects. Referring to Allan, Hanson said: “No wonder they called her a witch.”
She went further, adding: “Probably stronger words might be used for her, but they feel the sooner she’s gone, the better.”
Hanson also addressed Allan directly, saying: “Jacinta – if the shoe fits, then wear it.”
The comments came after Hanson told Sky News on Monday that Allan should “suck it up, sweetheart”. Hanson said she had been called a witch herself long before Allan and that the label had also been used by politicians.
The remarks drew criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the billboard campaign as “totally unacceptable and has no place in public life”.
“We want to encourage women to enter public life and it should be a contest of ideas, not personal attacks,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
The controversy has added to ongoing political debate in Victoria as criticism of Allan’s leadership continues from opponents, while government supporters argue attacks should focus on policy rather than personal insults.