CANBERRA, 26 February 2026 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an apology to former Australian of the Year Grace Tame after describing her as “difficult” during a public summit, sparking a fresh national debate over the treatment of outspoken women in the public eye.
Prime Minister Issues Apology Over “Difficult” Remark
The controversy erupted yesterday during the Future Victoria Summit in Melbourne, hosted by News Corp. When questioned about his relationship with the 2021 Australian of the Year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the word “difficult” to describe her. The comment immediately drew sharp criticism from advocates and Tame herself.
Responding to the remark today, 26 February 2026, Grace Tame suggested the label was “misogynist’s code for a woman who won’t comply.” She argued that such language is frequently used to undermine women who challenge the status quo or refuse to adhere to traditional expectations of politeness in the face of systemic issues.
Following the backlash, the Prime Minister offered a qualified apology, stating that his comments had been misrepresented. He clarified that while he respects Tame’s advocacy, the exchange at the summit was intended to reflect the complexities of political engagement rather than a personal attack.
Ongoing Backlash Over Recent Activism
The “difficult” label comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for Tame. Over the past fortnight, she has faced calls from some community leaders and politicians to be stripped of her Australian of the Year title. This follows her participation in a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney, where she led chants including “globalise the intifada.”
The New South Wales Premier and several Jewish community organisations have expressed distress over the rhetoric used at the protest. Despite this, organisers of an upcoming International Women’s Day event in Bendigo confirmed yesterday that Tame will remain their keynote speaker, asserting that her work for survivors of sexual assault remains vital.
Profile: Grace Tame
Grace Tame rose to national prominence as a tireless advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse. Her legal battle to overturn Tasmanian “gag laws” led to the #LetHerSpeak campaign, which empowered survivors to share their stories publicly without fear of prosecution.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Grace Tame |
| Date of Birth | 28 December 1994 |
| Birthplace | Hobart, Tasmania |
| Major Honour | 2021 Australian of the Year |
| Key Advocacy | Sexual assault survivors, child safety, legal reform |
Public and Political Reaction
The reaction to the Prime Minister’s comment has been divided along familiar lines. Supporters of Tame, including various women’s rights groups, argue that the Prime Minister’s choice of words reinforces a double standard where men are seen as “principled” while women are “difficult.”
Conversely, some political commentators have pointed to Tame’s recent protest activity as evidence of a shift in her public persona that invites legitimate political critique. However, the consensus among many social advocates is that her history as a survivor and her contributions to Australian law reform should protect her from gendered dismissals by the nation’s leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Grace Tame named Australian of the Year?
Grace Tame was named 2021 Australian of the Year for her extraordinary bravery in advocating for survivors of sexual assault. She was the first survivor of child sexual abuse to receive the honour, recognised for her role in changing Tasmanian laws that previously prevented survivors from self-identifying in the media.
What was the “Let Her Speak” campaign?
The #LetHerSpeak campaign was a legal and social movement led by Tame and journalist Nina Funnell. It successfully campaigned to abolish laws in Tasmania and the Northern Territory that prohibited victims of sexual crimes from using their real names in public, even if they wished to speak out.
What did Anthony Albanese say about Grace Tame?
On 25 February 2026, during a summit in Melbourne, the Prime Minister described Grace Tame as “difficult.” He has since apologised, stating the comment was taken out of context and was not intended as a misogynistic slur.