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Megan Herbert

@meganjherbert.bsky.social
4.2K followers 498 following 722 posts

Age and SMH Cartoonist / Writer & Illustrator of all things / She/her. On Bunarong land. linktr.ee/meganjherbert

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Reposted by Megan Herbert
paulpro @mariopro.bsky.social · 14h
Mike Bogart Smith
instagram.com/mikebogartsmith
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 15h
The inflation problem. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a single mother, recently made homeless after defaulting on her mortgage repayments (as evidenced by visible paperwork), setting up a new home in a tent with her two young children. Surrounded by their essentials stored in storage and plastic bags, the baby crawls on the grass, his older brother heats some food over a camp stove, and his exhausted-looking mother blows up an air mattress. Watching her, the boy says, "Is this what they means when they say 'inflation is the problem,' Mum?"
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A lot to process. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing the reception area of a Medicare Bulk Billing practice. As a humanoid robot, labelled "AI Agent", hands a claims form to the startled looking receptionist, it says, "Hello. I would like to lodge a claim that I'm here to kill you all." In the background, a member of the Australian Federal Police, who is perusing a file labelled "AFP Report on Open AI Breach", overhears and whips his head around in startled reaction. But tellingly, doesn't rush to take any meaningful action.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Australia lurching further along the moronic MAGA/MAHA path
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Ready to go. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a suburban living room on Grand Final Day (AFL or the code of your choice). The title: All Ready For Game Day. Left to right, items are shown and labelled: a television (TV), a couch (Comfy Seats), meats pies with sauce and a bowl of chips (Snacks), an ice bucket full of alcoholic drinks (Drinks), a phone (Betting Apps), an overnight bag, partially concealed under the table with a teddy bear next to it (Emergency Go Bag). Standing in the doorway, eyes on the go bag, is an anxious young mother with a baby girl on her hip and a boy holding her hand, as they wait for things to kick off.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Emergency broadcast. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing the scene of a disbanded press conference on the White House lawn. In the foreground, a reporter holding a mic that resembles an oxygen tank, is switching off the tap. In the background, a pack of reporters is walking away. Following the tube attached to the oxygen tank, we see the oxygen supply is connected via a mask to Trump, who is now gasping for air. Behind Trump an ambulance approaches in a hurry, labelled "Trump TV, 24/7".
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Trims. My cartoon in Tuesday's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a suburban house. The homeowners relax in garden chairs and watch on approvingly as treasurer Jim Chalmers (from Jim's Tax Trims) neatens up with handheld sheers the foliage of a large tree overhanging their house. Meanwhile, semi-concealed and kneeling at the base of the tree are two workers whose shirts read "Interest rate rises" and "real wage decline" cutting into the base of the tree with chainsaws.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
gotta love total strangers taking a moment out of their day to tell you they think you suck
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Saying something by saying nothing. My cartoon in the Saturday @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing an art gallery opening event. The artist is Ed Sheeran, who is explaining his work to an attendee: "I choose to make art about things that aren't political." Every canvas on the walls of the gallery is blank. The explanatory plaque of the one in the foreground is visible and reads: "Ed Sheeran, 'Think of the children.' Blank canvas."
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
U.S. Space Farce. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a U.S. Space Force missile launcher already deployed and orbiting the earth... and pointed right at it. The missiles are labelled: Oil Shock, Global Conflict, Trade Wars, AI Arms Race and Disinformation.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Wonder why. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a suburban scene in Kyiv after an apartment building has been bombed. As people clean up the mess, overhead, a plane, flying an American flag, swoops over the scene and away into the clear blue 'yon. A little girl, walking with her mother, looks up at the departing plane and says, "Mama, why don't the Americans visit Russia every day? It's the only time they stop the     bombing."
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Labor, Liberal, National, and One Nation would do well to understand this too:
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Sugar hit. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a recreation of the Stanford Marshamallow Test in two panels. Panel 1: A young child is seated at a table on which sits a pink marshmallow on a plate. The child eyes the marshmallow, but keeps their hands neatly folded as a suited, grey-haired man explains the rules. (In the background is a bag of marshmallows on a table and, just visible, a tiny grasping hand coming into frame.) The man says, "So I'm going to leave the room until you're ready to retire, and if the superannuation marshmallow is still there when I return, I'll give you TWO marshmallows, which I'll store over there for..."
Panel 2: He finishes his sentence with a frustrated scowl, "...safekeeping," seeing that the marshmallow bag has been raided and emptied by another child, wearing One Nation orange, unable to delay her gratification.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
No clue. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a close up of a partially completed crossword in the "Puzzles & Political Games" section of a printed publication. A hand holding a pen (that reflects the climate stripes visible in the background) is filling in the answers. The clues: "ACROSS. 1. What is the cause of more intense and more frequent extreme weather events? 6. Who has warned us for decades that a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is the only way to avoid surpassing 1.5 degrees of global warming? 9. What is the greatest threat to human and animal life, food and nations security, resources, infrastructure, and every living system on the planet? 11. With the UN confirming 1.5 degrees of global warming is now guaranteed, what point have we reached? 13. What, according to politicians, is it never the right time to discuss?" The answers: "1. Climate Change 6. IPCC 9. Climate Change 11. Crisis 13. Climate change"
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Has anyone studied or tried to quantify the worldwide increase in generalised anxiety symptoms exhibited during the two Trump presidencies? Because there was an undeniably different feeling in my body in the period in between
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Reposted by Megan Herbert
Matt Golding @goldingcartoons.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan blaming the “feminisation of our curriculum” for driving young boys towards the manosphere.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Dominant curriculum. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a classroom at the front of which a female teacher has written a Gloria Steinem quote on the whiteboard - '"We need to raise our sons to be more like our daughters. We need to relieve them of this burden of the idea that to be masculine they have to be superior, which is what they get addicted to, and why both racism and sexism are crimes I call superiority crimes." - Gloria Steinem 1934 - 2026.' At the back of the class are two boys looking at manosphere content on a smartphone preaching such things as, "Men are the real victims", "Women belong in the kitchen" and "The best way to keep your woman in line is with a whip." Other students in class react variously: some enticed and amused, others unsure, and others (the girls) clearly uncomfortable. The student holding the phone says to the teacher, "Make us a sandwich, Miss."
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Like and share. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a middle-aged hetero couple in bed both scrolling on their phones. Next to them are unread book stacks. The light from their screens illuminates their exhausted, phone addicted faces. The woman says, "Apparently Meta's agreed to add default daily time limits and night time push notification blocks, install content moderation to curb adverse mental health effects, and limit social comparison features for kids." Without looking up, the man replies, "When are they doing it for adults?"
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Soapboxed rehearsals are now in full swing. Can't tell you how excited I am that a play I've written is premiering at the iconic La Mama Courthouse. DREAMS DO COME TRUE PEOPLE ✨🥲✨ Get your tickets here: www.lamama.com.au/whats-on/la-...
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
A simple recipe. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert situated on a suburban footy oval with Parliament House in the background and a boisterous crowd watching on. The event: an egg and spoon race between PM Albanese and Pauline Hanson. They're neck and neck, but we see the game is rigged. Albo has his egg (Popularity) balanced on a spoon in his mouth, because he's also flipping pancakes (Foreign Policy), carrying a Pav (The Economy), wearing a tray of egg-based treats on his head (PMO, Media, Social Cohesion), and hauling a string bag full of eggs (cabinet portfolios), one of which has fallen and broken (Environment) and another in mid-fall (Energy Transition). Pauline, smiling, less frantic, carries just a single egg: Populism.
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billkittle.bsky.social @billkittle.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
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Fiona Katauskas @fionakatauskas.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
So wonderful to see the outpouring of love and respect for the absolute legend that is @cathywilcox.bsky.social www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
smh.com.au
Fitting farewell for cartoonist Cathy Wilcox, who captured news with wit and intellect
Readers pay tribute to one of Australia’s most beloved cartoonists, Cathy Wilcox, who has left the Herald after 37 years.
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Matt Golding @goldingcartoons.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Cartoonists like Cathy Wilcox are a gift to society who thankfully can’t, and won’t, be muzzled. Bernd Rieve, Brighton @theageaustralia.bsky.social letters
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Not waving. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.socialand @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
A political cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a deep body of water in which a person wearing an American flag t-shirt is being pulled under the surface due to sandbags attached to his waist ("health care costs", "Interest rates", "cost of groceries", "Price of fuel" and "Tariff Impacts"). Clutching a red cap in his hand, he waves it desperately above the surface for help. Approaching from the deep, mouth wide and teeth sharp, is an enormous shark ("U.S. National Debt"). Some way off, on the water's surface, standing up in a golden rescue dinghy, is Trump. Waving back, he says, "Hello! Thanks to me, we're calling this 'Lake America' now. You're welcome."
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Ronni🧂Salt @ronnisalt.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
In our eyes you are and always will be the Queen of Cartoons @cathywilcox.bsky.social Admired, respected & so, so talented, it will be a dark world without your bright thoughts in it every day, but you're leaving behind a genuine legacy Thank you for everything, all of it. We love you Cathy xx
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paulpro @mariopro.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
@mackinnonart.bsky.social
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MapQuest @mapquest.com · 27/08/2026
We’re not changing it.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Saluting @cathywilcox.bsky.social today: friend, colleague, mentor, and the very best of cartoonists, stepping away from her post after 37 years. Our national conversation will be much the poorer without her regular contribution of insight, wit, bravery and truth telling. Thank you, Cathy x🫡🤍
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Garrett M. Graff @vermontgmg.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
One way you know Dolly Parton lived life the right way: I don’t think anyone’s going to get fired for accurately quoting Dolly Parton today.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
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SunnyandSheryl @commgal.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
A woman with a cane stands at a ticket window staffed by a man. A nearby kiosk has an out of order sign. The ticket clerk says, "OK, one more time. Go home and log on to our website from your computer, create an account and purchase your ticket with your credit or debit card, download the ticket to a smartphone, then come back at the allocated time...Just what part of 'easier and more convenient ' don't you get?"
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Matt Golding @goldingcartoons.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
As the world warms, increasing the demands on water and power, who or what gets priority access to cooling: people or data centres (″⁣EPA’s data centre warning″⁣, 26/8)? Jenny Bone, Surrey Hills @theageaustralia.bsky.social letters
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The many facets of a shining example. My cartoon tribute to Dolly Parton in tomorrow's @theageaustralia.bsky.social
An editorial cartoon by Megan Herbert showing a gleaming teardrop shaped rhinestone, from whose many facets shine the following words: goodness, warmth, generosity, empathy, ambition, positivity, family, faith, music, joy, creativity, philanthropy, integrity, intelligence, and determination. In the shadow of the gem is "Dolly Parton, 1946 - 2026"
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
You guys, would you look at this cast?? Tickets for my debut play on sale now at www.lamama.com.au/whats-on/la-... If you like my political cartoons, you will love this. It's all the things I want to say but can't fit into a postcard sized image. :)
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Speaking for human cartoonists everywhere, please, please, PLEASE don't take people's work and run it through AI to make your own adjustments. The original Will McPhail cartoon makes the point just fine without the need to put Pauline's face on it.
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The Cathy Wilcox @cathywilcox.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Choices. My @smh cartoon.
Single frame. Paragraphs of text with small vignettes. First column: “HAPPY NEW YEAR” sign with balloons. “I sometimes think about a time when I was 16 at a New Year’s Eve party. 
Teens drank at parties then, and a log of pashing went on. It was all pretty tame.”(Image of awkward young couple pashing.)
“I liked boys a lot and at this party I got flirting with a guy…” (image of girl and guy facing each other at nigh under party lights.) “He told me he was 22, and I felt very grown up to have attracted his attention. He was surprised to discover my age.” Next column: (image of champagne bottle popping cork) “when midnight came, I hoped to have a New Year’s kiss with him. He gently declined, saying I was too young. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and he knew better.” (Image of the same two people under fireworks, with man smiling holding hand up as “no”.)
“When I think about young men and schoolboys “getting themselves into situations”, I think about him. And all the choices we make.” (Image two guys laughing walking away from a girl crying, sitting on the ground.) (image of a speaker with “NUTBUSH CITY LIMITS” blaring.)
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Floofy with a Chance of Spanakopita @floofytyrant.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
This is who Dolly Parton was. She was the rare billionaire that gave everything to others and kept only some for herself. Please watch the video below. It’s a beautiful way to honour her memory. 🩷🕊️ @marcuskelson.bsky.social you will love this.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
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Fiona Katauskas @fionakatauskas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
If you're in Melbourne make sure to check this out!
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Listen to me and @lucindacowden.bsky.social on Joy FM 94.9 joy.org.au at 4.15pm today to talk about our upcoming play, Soapboxed, on at the iconic La Mama Courthouse 15th-19th September. Tickets available now and going fast www.lamama.com.au/whats-on/la-...
lamama.com.au
Soapboxed
Big tech has the capacity to replace human art. But does it have the power?
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I could not think of anything less impressive than a robot running faster than a human. Terrifying, dystopian and depressing, yes. Impressive, no.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
@cathywilcox.bsky.social not only opened the door for me, she held my hand, cheered me on, and taught me everything possible to know about what good political cartooning is. I’m struggling to process the news of her departure. I am certain it will leave a gaping hole in the pages of the SMH and Age.
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Matt Golding @goldingcartoons.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Devastated to hear that Cathy Wilcox’s amazing talent will no longer be part of the SMH. One of the finest cartoonists of our time.
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Tipping point. My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social
A editorial cartoon by Megan Herbert showing an "Off The Record" AFL football magazine open to a page showing "The Ladder of Priorities". The magazine is partly obscured by two partially drunk beers in glasses and a hotel room key card, but what we can see of the ladder is: 1: Club Reputation, 2: Finals Season, 3: The AFL Brand, 4: Players' Futures, 5: Coach's Feelings, 6: Team Disappointment, 7: Fans' Expectations, 8: Commentator Analysis, 9: Culture of Hero Worship, 10: Letting Boys be Boys, 11: Men's Careers, 12: The Bro Code, 13-16 are obscured, then right at the bottom of the ladder 17: Victim Impacts, 18: Women's Safety. Both the last two items are magnified by the beer in the bottom of the glass.
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Rae Radford @raeradford.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
100% #BookSky
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Megan Herbert @meganjherbert.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
This is a very heartwarming thread. Good people doing good things 🤍
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The Cathy Wilcox @cathywilcox.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Slop. My @smh @theage cartoon.
Single frame. Title - instruction: “[place cartoon here - ed]”. Appearance of yellow torn out lined note paper held in place by sticky tape. Text: “The Herald-Sun has this week published an AI cartoon, where previously they might have commissioned one of their (dwindling) stable of artists. And it makes sense. (Not the cartoon.) After all, what is a cartoon, but a picture with a caption and maybe some helpful labels to make a point? In this case, a point the editor who prompted it wanted to make.
I mean, how hard can cartooning be? We would all be doing them if it weren’t for our lack of drawing skill (and some cartoonists aren’t very skilled, let’s face it), and AI means nobody has to pay the outrageous fees that “artists” charge, while they can “borrow” their existing work to train AI. It’s literally a no-brainer!” (Small picture of a brain crossed out) “We can only hope they can keep up the quality, once the AI can only be trained using other AI cartoons.”
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Ross 🇨🇦🏳️‍🌈🐻 (he/him) @rossz28.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
This doesn't even feel much like satire when I walk past F-350s on the lot at work and the top of the hood is at my eye height. 🤬🤬🤬
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