A POSTER erected on the streets of a small Victorian goldfields town has sparked a war of words about democracy, censorship and public art.

The poster was plastered on hoardings opposite the public library in Castlemaine, not far from Bendigo, in March. The artwork was commissioned by the local council.

It features a black and white photograph of Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the words “Australia Needs an Abbott Proof Fence”.

It was put there by art students from Castlemaine Secondary College who had been studying the film Rabbit Proof Fence, the Bendigo Advertiser reports.

The students expected it to create some discussion, but never expected it to lead to calls for teachers to be dismissed.

“Education needs to be apolitical,” Mark Jackaman wrote on a petition labelling the artwork “disgusting” and demanding a formal apology.

“Shame on your teacher and your school!” Kat Molnar wrote.

“It’s a disgraceful act and any teacher that has allowed this should be dismissed immediately. This is the leader of our country,” David Hawkins wrote.

“Schools are not for POLITICS ... Teachers need to keep their own views to themselves. It’s no wonder that we have hordes of young people leave school still not knowing proper history and correct spelling. Shame,” Shirley Cameron wrote.

Joshua Thom used the phrase "leftist scum” to drive home his opposition.

But the school has been quick to defend its students and its reputation.

Principal Mary McPherson told news.com.au she was shocked and surprised by the level of vocal opposition.

She said the school encouraged students to think critically.

“We want our students to have opinions and be critical thinkers and to understand about the world. We want students to be prepared to make a difference. We don’t want them to come out compliant, but to challenge and question.”

It’s not the first time students have created controversial artwork.

The Advertiser reports that in 2013 a billboard was erected declaring “Christmas is a lie”. It was removed after complaints from residents.

Ms McPherson said the Abbott Proof Fence poster will not be coming down any time soon.

“In a democratic society, it’s important to question the (government’s) policies,” she said.

“It’s part of our school culture. It’s about having your opinions and listening to other opinions.”

The petition calling for a public apology has received 200 signatures. But a counter-petition established by a CSC student has received more than 600 signatures.

It reads: “It is important for young people of CSC to be able to express their opinions through any kind of medium including art.

“This petition is to support the students at CSC and the individual views they hold. The teachers at CSC should not be forced to apologise for the views students hold.

“Many students at CSC hold different views and that is what makes the school such a good environment to be in because people are allowed to express themselves through writing, art and music.”