A billboard truck displaying the slogan “Ditch the Witch” alongside an image of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has been spotted driving around Melbourne.
The slogan was previously used against former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who has condemned the campaign.
It comes ahead of the Victorian state election in November.
Here's what you need to know.
Background
Allan leads a Labor government that has held power in Victoria since 2014. A state election is set for November.
The Allan Government has faced recent criticism over the state's cost of living pressures and rising debt.
An opinion poll conducted by Roy Morgan in April found two-thirds of Victorian voters disapprove of Allan's performance as Premier, and 53% say Opposition Leader Jess Wilson would make a better Premier.
Billboard
The truck was seen in Melbourne's CBD on Friday night, displaying an edited image of Allan wearing a black witch's hat.
Allan described it as part of “a secret and well-funded political campaign.”
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The Age reported Melbourne brothel owner Franco Puleo admitted to helping fund the campaign, at a cost of $105,000.
Gillard
The same slogan was used against Julia Gillard in 2011. Gillard was Australia's first female Prime Minister.
The slogan appeared on placards at a rally that then-Opposition Leader Tony Abbott stood in front of.
Response
Gillard said she was “disgusted” to see the slogan revived.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the campaign “a disgrace” and demanded those behind it withdraw the materials immediately.
Victorian Opposition leader Jess Wilson also condemned the billboards, saying: “That sort of discourse should never be used in politics”
The Liberal and Nationals parties both denied involvement in the campaign.
