Tasmanian Labor Senator Helen Polley is facing criticism after posting an ANZAC Day video to Instagram containing an American rap song about nightclubs and women’s bodies.
The video, filmed at Launceston’s cenotaph service and posted over the weekend, featured dramatic visual effects and was soundtracked by a mashup of the 2006 track “Ass n Da Aurr” by American rapper Chingy and the Australian national anthem.
The song is a call-and-response club track telling listeners to dance, with lyrics including “we pay to make you dance baby” and “girl I like your body”.
“Now put ya hands on the ground, put your ass in da aurr,” the artist sings in Polley’s video.
Polley captioned the post saying “Launceston Cenotaph Service and both services had the biggest crowds ever. Thank you to Launceston RSL & LCC.”
Pictured surrounded by the music and visual effects showed people paying tribute at the ANZAC Day ceremony, along with images of Polley holding a ‘Lest We Forget’ wreath next to Federal Bass MP Jess Teesdale.
The video quickly gained attention for all the wrong reasons, with social media users calling out the music choice as “disrespectful”.
“Would you play this song at a funeral procession? This is the most disrespectful ANZAC Day post I have seen in a while,” one commenter wrote.
“I don’t think you realize how disrespectful this music choice is. From a former serving member please stop this,” another comment said.
Pulse understands the video was posted by the senator herself and she may have been unaware of the sound and visual effects attached, which can be automatically suggested to add by social media apps when posting.
Senator Polley’s office did not respond to numerous requests for comment, however a federal Labor spokesperson described the 69-year-old senator as someone who has “spent her life giving thanks to those who have served our nation”.
Polley’s father served in World War Two and was part of Tasmania’s 2/40th infantry battalion.
“The senator has written and spoken at length about her father’s bravery and how it has inspired her and gave thanks again at Saturday’s service in Launceston to all of our service men and women,” the spokesperson said.
Polley has served as a member of the Australian Senate since July 2005.
The video remained online on Polley’s Instagram page until shortly after the publication of this story.
Federal Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Jonno Duniam said Senator Polley “must explain what her involvement is”.
“Senator Polley must also explain why, after media enquiries, the post has been taken down so hastily.”
“If she cannot answer these questions, Senator Polley must explain whether she thinks it is appropriate for anyone to make such a post to social media on such an important and sacred day.”
“This must be cleared up by Senator Polley and the Labor Party today.”
