TLDR
One Nation's 'Please Explain' cartoon used Senator Jacqui Lambie's vaginal prolapse as a punchline, drawing condemnation from the Prime Minister, the Coalition and the crossbench. Lambie, who disclosed the condition in an August Senate speech, said speaking openly is not an invitation to be mocked. Pauline Hanson defended the cartoon as satire and told Lambie to get over it.
Cartoon targets Lambie's health disclosure
One Nation's satirical video series 'Please Explain' used Senator Jacqui Lambie's vaginal and bladder prolapse as a punchline in an episode that also attacked the Albanese government's Digital Duty of Care bill, drawing condemnation from across the parliament on 19 October 2026.
Lambie had disclosed the condition in an emotional Senate speech in August, linking it to back injuries she sustained in the army.[1] She described the need for surgery and five months' leave from parliament, making the speech to reduce stigma around women's intimate health conditions.
Lambie: disclosure is not an invitation to mock
Lambie said in a statement posted to Instagram that the cartoon made light of her own medical struggles and those of so many other women who have experienced reproductive health issues.[2]
Lambie said "speaking openly is not an invitation to be mocked or degraded."[3] Health experts have said prolapse and pelvic floor disorders affect as many as one in four women.[1]
Cross-party condemnation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented directly on Lambie's Instagram post, writing: "Thank you for your courage which will help others #respect."[2]
Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said: "I don't like women being ridiculed for very personal issues." She said politicians should "play the ball, not the person".[3]
Independent MP Monique Ryan said pelvic organ prolapse affects about 1 in 12 Australian women, describing it as often linked to physical strain, heavy lifting or past childbirth, and as uncomfortable and debilitating.[3]
Hanson defends the cartoon
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson dismissed the criticism, saying: "Jacqui Lambie, get over it … it is actually satirical." She added: "Have a bit of a laugh, Jacqui, and lighten up."[3]
The episode combined its attack on Lambie's health disclosure with criticism of the Albanese government's Digital Duty of Care bill, which was before the parliament at the time of publication.
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