Controversial billboard truck returns to Melbourne streets
Updated July 19, 2026 — 5:58pm,first published 3:59pm
The truck that first gained notoriety for displaying a doctored image of Premier Jacinta Allan as a witch has reappeared on Melbourne’s CBD streets. On Friday evening it was seen turning from Exhibition Street into Bourke Street, heading toward Parliament House with the slogan “It’s time to get rid of this witch” clearly visible on its LED screens.
The vehicle, best known for promoting the Gotham City brothel on its screens, was issued a defect notice by Victoria Police on July 8 after a member of the public complained about the advertising displays in April. Police stated the notice related to the addition of billboards that fell outside regulatory standards.
VicRoads inspected the truck the following week and deemed it fully roadworthy, leading police to confirm that no further action would be taken regarding the defect notice.
Political backlash and the “Ditch the Witch” campaign
A second slogan has now been added to the truck: “Truck stays! Witch needs to go!” The message echoes the “Ditch the Witch” campaign organised by Franco Puleo, owner of the Gotham City adult establishment in South Melbourne. Puleo has previously said the advertisements are a legitimate way for small businesses to voice criticism of the Allan government.
The campaign has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard have labelled the billboards misogynistic, sexist and offensive. Puleo responded to the criticism, claiming authorities are targeting small businesses rather than addressing broader state issues.
Jeff Bezos spotted in Sydney
While the truck controversy unfolded in Melbourne, Amazon’s executive chairman Jeff Bezos was seen in Sydney. After lunch at Mimi’s in Coogee with his wife, Lauren Sánchez, Bezos entered the Park Hyatt bar where he was photographed with what appeared to be a negroni. The billionaire, dressed in black with Cuban‑heeled boots, was accompanied by an unidentified companion.
Reports indicate the pair may be staying at the Park Hyatt’s Sydney Suite, which carries a nightly rate starting around $21,000. Bezos’s visit coincides with Amazon’s ongoing efforts to expand data‑centre infrastructure in Australia and its recent multimillion‑dollar contract with the National Broadband Network to provide satellite internet to rural regions.
One Nation leadership questions
Separate federal politics news highlights ongoing tension within One Nation. Senator Pauline Hanson’s recent Mediterranean trip with billionaire Gina Rinehart and a podcast appearance alongside far‑right figure Tommy Robinson have raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Senator Barnaby Joyce has been absent from the party’s official “team” page, prompting speculation about a possible rift.
When approached, Joyce said he was exercising and dismissed reports of disagreement with Hanson, stating there was “nothing to it.” The situation underscores the challenges faced by minor parties in maintaining cohesive public profiles amid internal and external scrutiny.
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