Students at the University of Adelaide sparked controversy after displaying a poster depicting One Nation leader Pauline Hanson dressed to resemble Adolf Hitler. The image was used to promote an "anti-capitalist" event held on August 19 within the law school building by a group called Socialist Alternative Adelaide.
The poster, which included a Hitler-style moustache drawn on Senator Hanson’s face, was accompanied by music with lyrics denouncing fascism. The group argued that capitalism is contributing to a resurgence of fascism worldwide and that understanding this was necessary to resist it.
The university confirmed the meeting had been booked according to its established facilities hire procedures and stated the poster appeared on campus temporarily in one location. A spokeswoman emphasized the institution’s commitment to supporting freedom of speech and respectful debate within legal and policy boundaries, while also upholding a code of conduct that prohibits behavior detrimental to the wellbeing of staff and students.
The display and the meeting drew criticism from South Australian One Nation MP Rebecca Hewett, who claimed a university staff member attending the event to observe felt “threatened and unsafe” after being identified as a One Nation supporter. Hewett said the staffer was subjected to hostile behavior that compelled her to leave despite not causing any disturbance. She accused the university environment of intolerance, stating that institutions meant to foster critical thinking had instead become breeding grounds for bigotry.
Representatives for Socialist Alternative Adelaide disputed these accounts, stating the staff member was asked about her party affiliation at the meeting entrance and left voluntarily without participating. The university declined to comment further on complaint investigations, citing confidentiality protocols.
Additional objections were raised by an anonymous individual who wrote to Vice-Chancellor Nicola Phillips, contending that portraying an elected parliamentarian as Hitler crossed a line from legitimate political discourse to inflammatory vilification. The complainant acknowledged the importance of free speech on campus but urged the university to clarify its standards on acceptable expression, warning that such incidents could damage the institution’s reputation and community support.
One Nation’s spokesman called for universities to promote informed and peaceful debate and criticized the poster as a sign of historical ignorance. The spokesperson also suggested that One Nation’s political platform is aligned with the interests of the students depicted.
The university’s broader response underscored its support for peaceful engagement in political discussion alongside a commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harm.