Australia news live: Julia Gillard ‘disgusted’ by ‘ditch the witch’ ads targeting Victorian premier; One Nation ahead of Labor in new poll

Australia News Live: Julia Gillard Condemns “Ditch the Witch” Ads; One Nation Surpasses Labor in Latest Poll

Australia news live - Julia Gillard, the former prime minister, has publicly expressed her dismay over the recent use of the phrase “Ditch the Witch” in political campaigns targeting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. This comes after a Melbourne brothel owner, Franco Puleo, revealed that he partially funded the billboards bearing the slogan. Puleo told the Sydney Morning Herald that the ads were not a deliberate political message but rather a reflection of the public sentiment in Victoria. Despite this explanation, Gillard described the resurgence of the phrase as a sign of regression, citing its past use against her during her tenure as prime minister a decade and a half earlier.

Political Backlash and the “Ditch the Witch” Tactic

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the billboards were financed in part by Puleo, who insisted the campaign was not politically motivated but instead mirrored the emotions of the Victorian public. Gillard, however, viewed the revival of the slogan as an indication that efforts to reduce sexism in politics have stalled. She noted that while the political mainstream has seen gradual progress for women, social media remains a breeding ground for toxic rhetoric. The former prime minister lamented the return of a “faded slogan” that once symbolized the harsh treatment she faced, saying it undermines recent advancements in gender equality.

“‘Ditch the Witch’ was a slogan used against me as prime minister fifteen years ago. It was roundly condemned then. In the years since, my view has been that things were slowly improving for women in politics. More women are leading, sexism hasn’t gone away but it is less ferocious in the political mainstream, though social media continues to be a toxic sewer.”

The controversy has sparked renewed debates about the role of grassroots funding in shaping political narratives. While Puleo claims the ads reflect public opinion, critics argue that such tactics can oversimplify complex issues and stoke division. The timing of the campaign, coinciding with a national poll showing One Nation ahead of Labor, has drawn attention to its potential influence on voter sentiment.

Anthony Albanese’s Tribute to Richard Scolyer

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans for a state funeral in honor of Richard Scolyer, a prominent Australian scientist who recently passed away. Speaking at a press conference, Albanese highlighted Scolyer’s enduring impact, stating: “Professor Scolyer walked his uncertain path, as he called it, with courage, determination, and grace. His legacy will always be with us.” The leader emphasized Scolyer’s unwavering dedication to his work, even in his final days, when he spent time with family and remained in good spirits.

“Professor Scolyer walked his uncertain path, as he called it, with courage, determination, and grace. And his legacy will always with us. He continued to work right up until the very end, until it was impossible, but spent his final days with family, still in good humour. And with the strength, determination, and character that defined what is an extraordinary legacy.”

Chris Minns, the New South Wales premier, has also paid tribute to Scolyer, calling him a “great Australian, a pioneering scientist, and an inspiring example of grace in his final years.” In a statement, Minns recounted how Scolyer’s groundbreaking research transformed advanced melanoma from a fatal disease into a treatable condition. His work has saved countless lives, particularly in a country with the highest melanoma rates globally.

Australia’s Music Landscape Shifts

As political tensions escalate, another issue has drawn attention: the changing dynamics of Australia’s music industry. Data reveals a noticeable shift in recent years, with rock music losing ground to country and older tracks re-emerging as hits. However, a persistent trend is the declining share of Australian music in the nation’s charts. In the early 1990s, Australian artists accounted for up to 30% of the annual chart, but this has dwindled to single digits today.

Last year, only five Australian artists made it to the top 100 singles list, a slight improvement from the three who appeared in 2023. This decline raises concerns about the sustainability of the industry and whether Australian music is at risk of becoming a relic. While some argue that streaming platforms and global influences have altered listener preferences, others suggest the trend highlights a broader cultural shift.

Tributes and a Proposed Memorial

Richard Scolyer’s passing has prompted widespread tributes, with Sydney’s Inner West Council planning a permanent memorial to honor his contributions. Mayor Darcy Byrne described Scolyer as “one of our greatest citizens” and a “local hero,” emphasizing how his life’s work resonates across generations. “His legacy will be measured in the lives he has saved, it is his brave and tender spirit that we will all miss,” Byrne added in a statement.

“The selflessness and compassion with which Professor Scolyer approached his own very sad diagnosis touched the hearts of everyone in the Inner West and people across the nation. Through his work and his example, Richard gave our people hope that we can keep walking forward through adversity. In doing so, he has become a legend, whose story will be handed down from generation to generation.”

Older Australians are now eagerly awaiting a new RSV vaccine, as health officials warn the virus poses a far greater threat than previously thought. During RSV Awareness Week, the Australian Medical Association and other organizations have intensified efforts to promote the vaccine, which is federally funded and designed to protect vulnerable populations. The illness, often dismissed as a minor winter ailment, has been linked to severe complications in the elderly, underscoring the urgency of the public health initiative.

As the nation grapples with both political and health challenges, the stories of figures like Scolyer and the ongoing debates about Australia’s cultural identity serve as reminders of the country’s resilience. Whether through scientific breakthroughs or political commentary, these narratives continue to shape the collective consciousness of Australians, highlighting both progress and the enduring power of rhetoric.