Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing him of being a 'coward' and a 'turncoat' for his government's stance on the US-Israel strikes on Iran. In an essay published by Crikey on Friday, Tame claimed Australia is 'living in an Orwellian nightmare' under Albanese's leadership.
Tame, a prominent advocate for sexual abuse survivors, criticised the Prime Minister for 'capitulating to foreign powers' and failing to condemn the strikes. She contrasted Albanese's past advocacy for Palestine with his current position, alleging he is a 'savvy political operator' keen to appease Washington and Tel Aviv.
The activist also addressed the backlash she faced after leading chants of 'globalise the intifada' at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney last month. She claimed the media and political leaders used her as a 'scapegoat' to distract from police brutality, and that she has been unfairly framed as an antisemite and terrorist sympathiser.
Tame revealed she lost three speaking engagements on child safety due to an 'ongoing media campaign' against her. She argued there is a disconnect between the values of everyday Australians and the government's actions, stating 'the tide of public consciousness has turned'.
