Australia news live: Julia Gillard ‘disgusted’ by ‘ditch the witch’ ads targeting Victorian premier; One Nation ahead of Labor in new poll
Julia Gillard condemned revived sexist attack ads aimed at Jacinta Allan as One Nation edged ahead of Labor in Newspoll. The live blog also tracked tributes to Richard Scolyer and a push for RSV vaccination.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
The live blog focuses on a burst of Australian political and public-health updates, led by Julia Gillard’s reaction to “ditch the witch” ads targeting Victorian premier Jacinta Allan. It also notes One Nation overtaking Labor in a new poll, tributes to Richard Scolyer, and a campaign for older Australians to get RSV vaccines.
A former prime minister was upset that old mean words about a woman leader were used again. The story also says one minor party is now polling ahead of Labor, and it includes updates about a much-loved scientist and a new vaccine for a winter virus.
Analysis
Politics and language
Former prime minister Julia Gillard reacted strongly after a Melbourne brothel owner admitted helping fund advertisements aimed at Victorian premier Jacinta Allan that used the phrase “Ditch the Witch.” Gillard said she was “disgusted” that the slogan she once faced as prime minister had returned, arguing that it had been condemned at the time and that progress for women in politics now feels threatened by its revival. She also said sexism had become less ferocious in mainstream politics, even if it still persists, especially online.
Poll movement
The live blog also flagged a Newspoll update showing One Nation support ahead of Labor. The excerpt does not give the full numbers, but the headline alone suggests a notable shift in political sentiment that the blog treats as a key event of the day.
Other national updates
The page also carries tributes to Professor Richard Scolyer after his death. NSW premier Chris Minns called him a great Australian and credited his research with turning advanced melanoma from a death sentence into a disease that can be treated. Sydney’s Inner West council said it would create a permanent memorial, describing him as a local hero.
Another update highlights RSV Awareness Week, with the Australian Medical Association and the Immunisation Foundation of Australia encouraging older Australians and pregnant women to get vaccinated. The article says free RSV shots are now available under the national program for people 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over.
Key points
- Julia Gillard condemned revived “ditch the witch” ads aimed at Victorian premier Jacinta Allan.
- The former prime minister said the slogan was a tired trope that had already been widely condemned years ago.
- The live blog says One Nation’s support has surpassed Labor’s in a new Newspoll.
- Tributes continued for Richard Scolyer, with leaders praising his medical research and personal courage.
- Health groups used RSV Awareness Week to push free vaccination for older Australians and pregnant women.
Public backlash, including Gillard’s response, could help keep sexist attack politics from becoming normal again. The vaccine push could also help more older people protect themselves before RSV spreads through winter.
If the old slogan catches on again, the article suggests that sexist campaigning may be moving back into mainstream politics. The poll movement also points to a political environment where Labor is under pressure and voter support may keep shifting away from it.
