Queensland Transport and Main Roads apologises after attempted joke linked to domestic violence

Queensland’s Department of Transport has apologised after an attempted joke was linked to domestic violence.

Queensland’s Department Transport and Main Roads has offered a sheepish apology after being panned for an attempted joke linked to domestic violence.

The post comes after the Queensland Police Force was also dragged for DV connotations during a 2020 ad campaign.

In the TMR post, a car is pictured at a strange angle facing a drainpipe.

TMR has since changed the caption. Picture: Facebook

The original caption was “never underestimate an angry ex” followed by a red-faced emoji.

After commentators pointed out the obvious link to domestic violence, the caption was altered to “the cyclone may be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is”.

TMR also apologised in the comment section of the post.

“Earlier today we posted about the dangers that still exist after a cyclone, referring to an ex-tropical cyclone as an ‘angry ex’,” TMR wrote.

“We often use lighthearted language to engage with and ultimately reach more Queenslanders with important information.

“We removed our original post after some commenters pointed out that it could be interpreted as a reference to domestic violence.

“We’re committed to preventing all forms of violence against women, children and men and we would never intentionally make light of such a serious issue.

“We apologise and want to thank our commenters for reaching out to us with their concerns so quickly.”

The cyclone might be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is...

Posted by Transport and Main Roads Queensland on Tuesday, January 11, 2022

News.com.au has asked TMR whether the department will continue to attempt jokes on its posts.

TMR’s website says the department “moves and connects people, places, goods and services safely, efficiently and effectively across Queensland”.

Queensland Police found itself in a similar situation last year after a campaign aimed at urging the public to not call triple-0 went awry.

The video was slammed as “absolutely embarrassing” and pulled offline an hour after it went live over “misconstrued” insensitive references to domestic violence.

The unusual ad, produced in conjunction with the Queensland government, was aimed at reducing the number of triple-0 calls made to authorities by encouraging citizens to use the internet and other communication platforms for responses to less life-threatening incidents.

The video was posted to social media shortly before 9am but was pulled by 10am after a furious reaction.