Ask Onix
Prime Minister's remark sparks backlash
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after describing Grace Tame, a former Australian of the Year and sexual abuse survivor, as "difficult" during a light-hearted media event. The comment drew immediate criticism, with Tame and others accusing it of reinforcing sexist stereotypes.
The incident
The controversy unfolded during a rapid-fire word-association game on Tuesday. When prompted to describe Tame, Albanese responded with "difficult." Tame, who was named 2021 Australian of the Year for her advocacy on behalf of child sexual abuse survivors, swiftly condemned the remark.
"That's misogynist's code for a woman who won't comply. History tends to call her 'courageous.'"
Grace Tame, 31
Apology and rejection
Albanese later clarified his comment, stating it referred to the hardships Tame has endured. "If there was any misinterpretation, I apologise," he said, acknowledging her resilience. "She has had a very difficult life, but she deserves great credit for turning that into a benefit for others."
Tame, however, dismissed the apology in an Instagram post. "Spare me the condescension, old man. We all know what you meant," she wrote.
Political reactions
Greens leader Larissa Waters criticised Albanese's choice of words on X (formerly Twitter), calling the label "completely unwarranted."
"Labelling women as difficult won't silence us. It won't stop us speaking truth to power. Next time try 'unbreakable' or 'warrior' or 'fierce,' Prime Minister."
Larissa Waters
Other responses from Albanese during the same event included calling Donald Trump "president," Opposition leader Angus Taylor "leader," and One Nation's Pauline Hanson "divisive." When asked about Prince Andrew, he replied "grub," drawing laughter from the audience.
Tame's advocacy and past controversies
Tame was awarded Australian of the Year for her campaign to overturn Tasmania's gag laws, which prohibited sexual abuse survivors from publicly discussing their experiences. At 15, she was groomed and raped by her 58-year-old maths teacher, Nicolaas Ockert Bester, who served 21 months in prison for the crime.
In 2022, images of Tame refusing to smile at an event with then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison went viral. She had been vocal about Morrison's government's handling of sexual assault allegations and workplace culture in Parliament, particularly following the 2019 rape allegation by former staffer Brittany Higgins.
Recent criticism over Palestine rally remarks
Tame has faced renewed scrutiny after speaking at a pro-Palestine rally this month, where she used the phrase "globalise the intifada." The term, originating from the 1987 Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, is now under review for potential bans under new laws targeting "hateful" slogans following the Bondi Beach shootings.
While some interpret "intifada" as a call for violence, others argue it symbolises peaceful resistance. Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who recently joined One Nation, demanded Tame be stripped of her Australian of the Year title over the remark.
