Controversial Peninsula Link billboard featuring girls wearing hijabs removed due to threats

An Australia Day billboard which featured two young girls in hijabs has been removed due to threats against the advertising company.

The digital image, promoting a festival at Kings Domain, was being displayed on Peninsula Link.

It soon sparked fierce debate, with a far-right group sharing the image on social media.

Hundreds criticised the billboard for being too ‘politically correct’ or not a ‘true reflection’ of Australia Day.

Some suggested it be burned down.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott, told Tom Elliott the company that operated the billboard – QMS – removed the image due to fears that threat would become reality.

He said the image was one of several different billboards promoting the event, others featuring people of Anglo and Asian descent.

And in an added twist, Mr Scott revealed the image of the two girls was taken while they were celebrating Australia Day last year.

‘I’m disappointed people literally with an Australian flag, celebrating Australia Day, would create such angst,’ he said on 3AW Drive.

‘They’re a part of the community and they have a right to show their love and affection for this nation.’

Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW Drive