Victoria Police have removed a series of offensive banners aimed at openly gay Labor MP Julian Hill, which appeared over a major Melbourne highway on Friday morning. The banners, widely condemned as homophobic and hateful, have sparked bipartisan outrage and prompted an ongoing police investigation.
One of the banners, displayed within Hill’s electorate of Bruce in Melbourne’s south-east, read: “Julian Hill MP – more worried about his husband than his constituents.” Despite the message, Hill is not married and does not have a husband.
Another banner claimed: “LGBTQ+ means more to Julian Hill than you the people.” Both signs featured rainbow flags but bore no official branding, leaving the identity of those behind the stunt unknown.
Victoria Police labelled the incident as “hate-based behaviour” that would not be tolerated. Additional offensive signs were later discovered in nearby areas of the Casey and Cardinia LGAs, though police have not released their specific content.
MP Julian Hill Responds
Hill responded with composure and clarity, telling The Guardian:
“I always have and always will stand up for everyone in the Bruce electorate, no matter their faith, ethnicity or who they are.”
The banners appear to be an anonymous and personal smear attempt ahead of the federal election, scheduled for 3 May.
Widespread Condemnation
LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups and political leaders from across the spectrum quickly condemned the banners.
Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia, described the attack as “cowardly and homophobic,” urging political unity in rejecting such tactics.
“Imagine if this was an attack on another politician’s partner or kids and you immediately understand just how disgraceful and vile these personal and pointless insults are,” Brown said.
Greens MP Stephen Bates, who is also openly gay, called the attack offensive and outdated.
“I cannot imagine a world in which a straight politician is attacked for caring about their partner and family. The vast majority of Australians support LGBTIQA+ people. Whoever put up this banner should be embarrassed at how out of touch they are.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton echoed the condemnation after viewing images of the banners:
“Our families are off-limits, so I thought it was disgraceful.”
Coalition campaign spokesperson James Paterson said the banners “have no place in Australian politics” and called for those responsible to be prosecuted.
The Liberal Party has referred the matter to the Australian Electoral Commission as investigations continue.
Political Climate Intensifies
The incident adds to a tense election campaign season, with several LGBTQIA+ candidates facing online abuse. Just last week, Avery Howard, running for The Greens, was subjected to a wave of homophobic and transphobic harassment following their candidacy announcement.
The banners targeting Hill come amid a broader conversation about respect, inclusion, and the role of LGBTQIA+ representation in public life.
