By Blessing Nweke
Anthony Albanese has apologized after describing former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as “difficult” during a rapid-response word association game, sparking backlash from politicians and activists.
Albanese used the adjective when asked to describe Tame, 31, who was named 2021 Australian of the Year for her advocacy for child sexual abuse survivors. Tame criticised the remark, saying “difficult” was “misogynist’s code for a woman who won’t comply. History tends to call her ‘courageous’.”
The prime minister later said he apologised “if there was any misinterpretation,” adding that Tame “has had a very difficult life, but she deserves great credit for turning that into a benefit for others.” Hours later, Tame rejected the apology on Instagram, writing: “Spare me the condescension, old man. We all know what you meant.”
Greens leader Larissa Waters said the comment was “completely unwarranted,” adding that labelling women as difficult would not silence them.
During the same quiz, Albanese described Donald Trump as “president,” opposition leader Angus Taylor as “leader,” and One Nation chief Pauline Hanson as “divisive.” He drew applause after calling Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor a “grub.”
Tame was honoured for campaigning to overturn Tasmanian laws preventing abuse survivors from publicly identifying themselves. She was groomed and sexually abused at 15 by her maths teacher, who was later convicted.
In 2022, she went viral for refusing to smile at an event with former prime minister Scott Morrison, whom she had criticised over the government’s handling of sexual assault allegations, including those raised by former staffer Brittany Higgins.
More recently, Tame faced criticism for using the phrase “globalise the intifada” at a pro-Palestine rally, prompting calls from some politicians to revoke her Australian of the Year title.
Original article
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