Outdoor advertiser QMS Media has been forced to remove an Australia Day ad from one of its billboards after receiving a number of threats.
The billboard next to an outer Melbourne freeway advertised a Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) sponsored Victorian government Australia Day event and featured two Muslim girls in hijabs.
A photo of the billboard sparked protest after being shared on social media, with some Facebook users describing the advertisement as “un-Australian.”
Victorian Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott says the image has now been removed after the company received threats.
“External partner QMS hosted the campaign on a pro bono basis and independently chose to remove it due to a number of threats," he says. “While the ads have since been removed, anyone who considers this a victory needs a refresher on the true meaning of Australia Day.
“It is about bringing people together and celebrating the diversity which makes this state and this country great. It’s very disappointing to see a small minority attacking proud Australians for their love of their country.”
QMS has declined to comment.