Jacinta Allan says Pauline Hanson ‘chooses to barrack for bullies’ over ‘ditch the witch’ billboard

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stated on June 9, 2026, that she would continue to call out "sexist, misogynist, hateful" commentary directed at her, rejecting advice from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to "suck it up, sweetheart." Allan's remarks followed her criticism of a truck-mounted billboard circulating in Melbourne for several weeks, which displayed AI-generated images of Allan wearing a black pointed hat with the slogan "ditch the witch." Allan asserted that she chooses to "barrack for bullies" by not confronting such views. Hanson responded to Allan's criticism by stating, "if the shoe fits," implying the sentiment was applicable. Allan indicated that she would always challenge misogynistic viewpoints, regardless of the source, and emphasized her commitment to addressing harmful rhetoric. The billboard campaign has been ongoing for several weeks, drawing attention to the political discourse surrounding Allan's leadership and public image.