Robert Irwin threatens One Nation over satirical cartoon


Robert Irwin and Bluey highlight problems in Queensland in the One Nation video. Photo: YouTube (One Nation)
One Nation has refused to remove a satirical video that has upset Robert Irwin, saying the conservationist has “done us a favour” by drawing attention to the cartoon clip.
Irwin has reportedly threatened legal action over his depiction in the One Nation video ‘State of Queensland’, which critiques problems such as youth crime and a housing shortage.
The Croc Hunter’s son is featured alongside popular children’s cartoon character Bluey in the two-minute piece, which is part of a ‘Please Explain’ series.
In the video, which is critical of the Queensland government, Irwin and Bluey tour the state and point out apparent problems like hospital waiting lists, native title claims and wind farms killing cassowaries.
“The Queensland government’s given us a disgusting amount of money to show you the state of Queensland,” says the cartoon Irwin. “Check this out!”
Irwin’s lawyer reportedly sent a cease and desist letter to StepMates Studios, the production team behind the political cartoons, on Friday.
“Your actions constitute defamation and involve the unauthorised and deceptive use of our client’s image,” lawyer Zoe Naylor said.
“We will commence legal action against you if you do not take down the video immediately.”
One Nation has been given a deadline of Monday 5pm.
However, One Nation chief of staff James Ashby told the ABC that Irwin needed to “lighten up”.
“It’s hard to know exactly what Robert is offended by, because the reality is Robert was the hero in the episode, not the villain,” Ashby said.
“I think Robert just needs to lighten up. I really think he’s [kicked] an own goal here.
“His dad always had a good sense of humour and most Queenslanders, most Aussies, always saw that larrikin side of Steve.”
Ashby said One Nation had “no intention” of taking down the video, which was still on YouTube and Facebook on Monday.
He told the ABC Irwin had given more oxygen to the cartoon by threatening legal action.
“I don’t think Robert’s really thought this through. [It’s] obviously poorly advised by somebody, either his lawyers or a media person,” he said.
“People that have never even seen the cartoon series before are now well-aware of it.
“If anything, he’s done us a favour and I say ‘thank you’ to Robert for that.”