Melbourne Condemns Hateful 'Aussie' Poster Appropriation
Approximately 40 modified versions of artist Peter Drew's 'Aussie' posters, featuring an image of Naveed Akram, one of the alleged Bondi Beach attackers, appeared across Melbourne's CBD last week. City of Melbourne staff initiated swift efforts to remove the posters.
Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, voiced strong disapproval.
"The posters were disrespectful to the victims of the Bondi attack and to Drew's original artwork, which aims to challenge xenophobia and perceptions of Australian identity."
The Spirit of Peter Drew's 'Aussie' Posters
Drew's distinctive posters, featuring Australians from the early 1900s with the word 'Aussie,' have been displayed nationwide for a decade. Created in 2016 in response to anti-immigration sentiment, the series includes well-known posters of figures like Afghan cameleer Monga Khan.
Drew noted that the imitation posters detract from the spirit of his series.
"While he installs hundreds of his own works, a few copycat posters can convey a significant message."
Official Condemnation and Community Response
Lord Mayor Nick Reece commented that the appropriation of Drew's work for images of hatred and division was abhorrent, and the use of the Bondi shooter's image was unacceptable, noting ongoing community grief following the attack.
The Victorian parliament extended condolences to the victims of the December 14 terror attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan apologized to Jewish Australians, acknowledging governmental shortcomings in addressing their fears and warnings. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson named the 15 victims and emphasized the importance of preventing future antisemitic violence.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll affirmed the attack was targeted at Jewish people, commending first responders and civilians, including Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed an attacker.
"Carroll highlighted this act as a symbol of Australian multiculturalism and a stand against extremism."
Precedent and City's Swift Policy Against Hate
Similar appropriations of Drew's posters have occurred previously, including images of sex offender Rolf Harris and teen jihadist Jake Bilardi in Melbourne in 2016. Other copycat posters have also featured figures such as US President Donald Trump and convicted criminal Bilal Skaf.
Drew observed that both far-left and far-right groups have shown similar disapproval of his original 'Aussie' posters.
Lord Mayor Reece clarified that the recent posters were not artistic responses but a deliberate attempt to spread hate.
"He confirmed that the City of Melbourne's policy is to remove racist and hateful material within one hour of it being reported, with staff working expeditiously to remove the Bondi shooter posters."