The Victorian government has enlisted some serious star power for a new series of COVID PSAs; however, the campaign has been criticised as being “patronising” and “propaganda”, while others have questioned if comedy is the right tool to highlight the dangers of a virus that has so far killed more than 500 Australians.
Magda Szubanski’s famed Sharon Strzelecki character stars in one of the spots released over the weekend that also features actor Shane Jacobson, AFL star Tayla Harris, The Project’s Waleed Aly, comic Nazeem Hussain and foodie Mat Preston.
Called “Staying safe in our hands“, B&T has contacted The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to determine the agency responsible for the ads. The ads aren’t the work of M&C Saatchi Melbourne who’s handled most of the Victorian Government’s COVID communications thus far.
There are eight ads in total but these are the only two released to date.
Check out the first two featuring Sharon Strzelecki (aka Magda Szubanski) and Shane Jacobson below:
https://youtu.be/oJQpKpi7ra8
https://youtu.be/zbSXydV-h3A
Commenting on the ads, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said: “The truth is that even with case numbers coming down, without a vaccine, this isn’t over. But with small, simple steps we can keep ourselves and each other safe – now and into the future.”
“Keeping a hold on this wickedly infectious virus will take all of our efforts. But I know Victorians are tough – and we will get through this together.”
And it appears the campaign has divided Victorians, many unhappy at Waleed Aly’s inclusion in the series of ads.
Check out some of the social media commentary – positive and otherwise – below:
