Claims 'Don't be a d---head' campaign plagiarised
The Victorian Government has been forced to deny it plagiarised its controversial "Don't be a d---head" road safety campaign.
The viral campaign which urges young drivers not to be a "d---head" has been slammed by teachers and politicians across the country, due to its use of stereotypes and crude language.
Graphic designer, Matt Barnsley, has told the Herald Sun that he created the original "d---head" idea two years ago for a university project and emailed it to government ministers.
The government responded in 2008 claiming it had received the ads.
The Swinburne National School of Design student said he was shocked to discover his work had been stolen to create the new campaign.
"That's what I sent off to all the ministers. I have all the images I sent them," he said.
VicRoads has confirmed the initial email trail and conceded there are similarities, though denies any wrong-doing, saying the content resemblance is purely coincidental.
The department advised Mr Barnsley the issue had been investigated.
WARNING: Graphic content
