There has been a generally positive response to Queensland’s move to ban Wicked camper vans which carry ‘offensive’ slogans … although some still argue it is an overreaction to a bit of fun.
The company has apparently thrived on the adverse publicity it has previously received as it typically hires out vehicles to young, overseas backpackers.
However, now Queensland’s Attorney-General, Yvette D’Ath, has just got serious and announced plans to amend laws to deregister commercial vehicles which do not comply with decisions made by the Advertising Standards Bureau.
“I understand clearly the level of community concern about the vulgar, crass and offensive slogans that have been displayed on some commercial vehicles,” she said. “Now, if they refuse to remove the offensive slogans, their vehicles will be off the road.”
Ms D’Ath now wants other states and territories follow suit to prevent deregistered Queensland vehicles being registered in other states.
The RACQ agrees, saying that without national regulation needed Wicked could just pick up stumps and move over the border to New South Wales.
“This isn’t about people being prudes or wowsers, this is about offensive vans,” the RACQ’s Paul Turner told the ABC. “They need to be removed, or cleaned up.”
Anecdotal evidence would suggest that the majority of grey nomads – and all road users – do take offence at slogans such as “Inside every princess there’s a little sl*t that wants to try it just once”, or “Fat girls are harder to kidnap!”
However, other travellers argue that we should ‘live and let live’ and that the slogans aren’t as generally offensive as the ‘whiz bang’ noise of the camper’s sliding doors.
• Do you ever get a laugh from any Wicked slogans or do you find them all offensive? Would you like the see the ‘edgier’ Wicked camper vans slogans banned? Comment below.
The dogooders & political correct strike again. Get a Life.
For God’s sake Australia get a grip. If it offends you don’t bloody read it.
What’s next in their quest to remove free speech Ms D’Arthole grow up and do something useful
I agree with what “Horxy” said at 3.45pm. This Government has more pressing issues on their plate than this rubbish. I wish the Attorney- General would get serious with penalties for real criminals in this State.
I just got back from Vietnam where you could pretty much do any thing you like. Get pissed on the train. Buy booze on the street. Go where you want when you want. Go on utterly mental fishing trips. Australia is turning into a creche. If you rape women or children or traffic Heroin they will kill you. Anything else ? Knock yourself out. My favorite Wicked was “Strangers have the best candy” – Lurve it !!
The people that use these vans are in most cases the ones causeing the rubbish problems around our country. They have no toilets, dump their rubbish beside the road prior to moving on and camp illegally in towns and parks or where ever they can. So if some or all are put of the road great. I will not have to clean up after them. Slogans I don’t care about. U want to live in the gutter than do so.
Unbelievable!! It will be an offence to laugh soon. Get a life people!!!
We have seen a lot of Wicked vans on our travels and the only offensive signage that I have seen has been touched up by the hirers
I would hate my little Grandaughter to ask what the slogan means. Take them off the road. Cairns is full of them.