Victoria moves to crack down on 'misogynistic' Wicked Campers slogans
Owners of vehicles brandishing offensive slogans could be banned from Victorian roads under a new plan to crack down on misogynistic messages on camper vans.
Premier Dan Andrews made the announcement in Adelaide on Friday, sharing the news in a post to his Facebook page later in the afternoon.
He shared a photo of a van with digitally printed graffiti stating: “If you put crude slogans on your vehicle, you will be de-registered”.
“There's no place for demeaning, misogynistic rubbish on our roads – or in our state. So we're doing this,” Mr Andrews added.
A statement from the premier said a proposal would be presented to parliament later this year.
“Any Victorian registered vehicle that displays sexist, obscene or offensive slogans can be referred to the Ad Standards Community Panel, which will review it against the Australian Association of National Advertisers Code of Ethics,” it said.
If the panel finds a slogan to be in breach of ethical standards, the vehicle’s owner will be ordered to have it removed or face having the car’s registration cancelled.
According to the statement, the proposed law was in response to “offensive slogans displayed on camper vans, such as Wicked Campers”.
Queensland and Tasmania already have the law in place, with Victoria expressing its support for a national approach to the issue.
Nearly 10,000 people expressed their opinion in comments on Mr Andrews’ post, with some celebrating the new law and others voicing their disapproval.
“More freedom taken away from us. No wonder Victoria is well known as the Nanny State! How much more control does the government really want of us?” one person wrote.
“I miss the days when Australia had a sense of humour,” another added.
Many thought the change was overdue and welcomed the new law.
“About time someone in a position of authority and power did something about this, Thank you,” a third social media user said.
“Thank you Dan Andrews! We already know that misogyny leads to violence towards women. This sends a public message that we are done with that. Thank you,” a fourth person wrote.
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