MELBOURNE — A truck-mounted billboard displaying AI-generated images of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan in a black pointed hat, accompanied by the phrase "ditch the witch" has been operating in Melbourne for several weeks. Former prime minister Julia Gillard, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Victoria opposition leader Jess Wilson publicly condemned the billboard.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson stated she had previously been referred to as a witch before Allan. Hanson criticized Allan's performance regarding crime rates, state debt, and corruption allegations involving a construction union in Victoria. "Jacinta – if the shoe fits, then wear it," Hanson said, adding, "Probably stronger words might be used for her, but they feel the sooner she's gone, the better."

Premier Allan held a press conference in Melbourne on Tuesday, where she characterized the billboard as intentionally using language and imagery referencing historical sexism directed at women. "There's too much division, too much hate. I don't have a problem if people have a different view – that's democracy – but what is wrong is when difference is used, is weaponised in a sexist, misogynist, hateful way, and I'll always call that out," Allan said. She added, "Pauline Hanson chooses to barrack for the bullies. I choose to fight them."

A poll published Tuesday by Freshwater Strategy recorded the Victorian Labor primary vote at 23 percent, the Coalition at 27 percent, and One Nation at 25 percent. The poll indicated that 62 percent of respondents support replacing her as Labor leader before the next state election. Her net favorability rating registered at minus 37, a five-point decline.

No independent assessment of Jacinta Allan’s claims was available.