A phallic-shaped logo for the Women’s Network, a volunteer-based collective in the Australian prime minister’s department, has been withdrawn after becoming the subject of widespread ridicule.

       Australia’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet issued a statement on Monday stating that the logo had been removed from its website pending consultation with staff.

       The purple-coloured logo consisted of a cursive “W” beside a shape reminiscent of male genitalia, and provoked scorn on social media.

       “The prime minister and the prime minister’s office were not part of this logo design,” the statement said.

       The department rebranded its staff diversity networks in 2019, which included changing the Women’s Network logo in an effort to “establish a consistent look and feel”.

       Recommended Australian women to sue Qatar over invasive airport strip-searches Australia postpone Afghanistan test over Taliban concerns on women in sport Australia Women’s team defend ‘professional, inclusive and supportive culture’ amid sexual abuse allegations

       The Women’s Network had retained the “W” icon, as staff had been using it for some years, the statement added.

       “The rebrand was completed internally, using existing resources, and designs were consulted on widely. No external providers were engaged for this work,” the statement explained.

       The logo was widely mocked and sparked criticism on social media.

       “I really thought this logo for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinets women’s network was fake but uh ... do they know?” said a social media user.

       The National Older Women’s Network, a separate organisation, expressed their disapproval of the design.

       “I thought this was satire, but it is either thoughtless or an insult. Public money was spent getting a graphic artist, choosing the designing, selecting colours, approving, printing and publishing this logo for the Prime Minister’s and Cabinet’s Women’s Network,” the network said on Twitter.

       The Scott Morrison administration has been facing heat for its handling of women’s issues, including allegations of sexual assault, since early 2021.

       Recommended Charles sends message of sympathy to Australian people following floods Biden, other Quad leaders to meet virtually amid Ukraine war Scott Morrison contracts Covid and will co-ordinate response to floods in isolation

       Last month, Mr Morrison and several other leaders issued an apology for the “terrible things” that had happened in the Australian parliament.

       The prime minister also admitted that bullying, abuse and harassment, including violence against women, had built up over decades.