Australian PM Apologises for 'Difficult' Remark About Abuse Survivor

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after referring to child sexual abuse survivor and advocate Grace Tame as “difficult” during a rapid-response word association game at a public event.

Albanese used the adjective when prompted with Tame’s name. Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, criticised the description, calling it “misogynist’s code for a woman who won’t comply,” and said history tends to call such women “courageous.”

In a statement issued hours later, Albanese said he was sorry “if there was any misinterpretation,” adding that Tame had “had a very difficult life” and deserved credit for turning her experiences into advocacy for others. However, Tame rejected the explanation, posting on Instagram: “Spare me the condescension, old man. We all know what you meant.”

• Australian PM apologises for referring to Grace Tame as "difficult" in public event
• Tame criticizes Albanese’s "difficult" comment as misogynistic, sparks public debate
• Albanese's apology over "difficult" remark reignites debate on women's public discourse

Greens leader Larissa Waters criticised the comment, saying labelling women as difficult would not silence them. She suggested alternatives such as “unbreakable” or “fierce.”

Tame was recognised as Australian of the Year for campaigning to overturn Tasmania’s sexual assault gag laws, which prevented survivors from publicly identifying themselves. As a teenager, she was groomed and sexually abused by her former teacher, Nicolaas Ockert Bester, who was later convicted and jailed.

The exchange has reignited debate over Tame’s public stance. In 2022, images of her refusing to smile at an official event with then-prime minister Scott Morrison went viral amid her criticism of the government’s handling of sexual assault allegations in Parliament.

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More recently, Tame spoke at a pro-Palestine rally where she used the phrase “globalise the intifada”, a term some consider inflammatory. Some politicians have called for her Australian of the Year title to be revoked, adding to debate around free speech and political accountability.