08/06/2026
The current furore over the "Ditch the Witch" signage aimed at Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has once again sparked debate about the standards of political discourse in Australia.
Let's be clear: politics should never descend into a schoolyard name-calling contest. Whether the target is Jacinta Allan, Pauline Hanson, Julia Gillard, Angus Taylor, Anthony Albanese, or anyone else, Australians deserve better than insults replacing debate.
What many Australians find difficult to understand, however, is the selective outrage.
For over 30 years, Pauline Hanson has endured relentless public ridicule, personal abuse, media mockery, derogatory labels, and some of the most vicious political commentary directed at any Australian politician in modern history. She was mocked in cartoons, television comedy sketches, newspaper columns, social media campaigns, and by political opponents who often attacked the person rather than her policies.
Many will remember the infamous "Pauline Pantsdown" sketches and songs that became mainstream entertainment. Others remember the constant stream of insults and caricatures that portrayed Hanson not simply as wrong, but as someone deserving of ridicule.
Yet today, some of the same voices who were silent during those years are expressing shock and outrage over a slogan aimed at a political opponent.
That doesn't make the slogan right.
It does raise a fair question about consistency.
If we are serious about lifting the standard of public debate, then the standard should apply equally to everyone. It shouldn't depend on which side of politics someone sits on.
Interestingly, Pauline Hanson's response to the controversy was reportedly simple: "Toughen Up!"
Whether you agree with Pauline Hanson or not, there is little doubt she has had to develop a thick skin after three decades in the political firing line.
Perhaps the lesson here is not that one side is worse than the other, but that all sides should reject personal abuse and focus on debating ideas, policies, and leadership.
Australia's political culture would be far healthier if we argued the issues instead of attacking the individuals.
Pauline continues to hold her head up and listen to Australians. She fights with great conviction and courage despite being vilified and attacked at every turn by MSM.
