Grace Tame's Speaking Engagements Cancelled Following Pro-Palestine Rally Appearance
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has revealed that all of her lucrative speaking engagements have been cancelled in the wake of her appearance at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney earlier this year. The 31-year-old survivor of child sexual assault claims she is facing a concerted smear campaign from conservative politicians and media outlets.
Virginia Trioli Condemns Culture of Censorship
ABC Radio Melbourne host Virginia Trioli has publicly defended Tame, describing the situation as beyond understanding and criticising what she calls a culture of censorship and suppression. The veteran broadcaster, 60, compared Tame to cultural dissidents like Gloria Steinem, Ai Wei Wei and Margaret Atwood in an Instagram post on Friday night.
"Let her bloody speak. Debate her ideas - listen to her real experience and can we please abandon this cancerous culture of the repression of opinions?" Trioli wrote, emphasising Tame's bravery and the importance of her mission.
The Controversial Rally and Its Aftermath
Tame led chants of 'globalise the intifada' outside Sydney's Town Hall in February during a rally protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit. Since that event, she says she has been subjected to repeated public vilification and has lost several close friends for speaking what she believes to be the truth.
In an op-ed for the Crikey website, Tame wrote: "I shouldn't have to say this, but I'm currently up against a well-oiled, well-funded political propaganda machine whose aim is to frighten everyone into complicity by maligning its critics."
"In under a month, my livelihood has been completely destroyed," she added, describing the personal and professional consequences she has faced.
Mixed Reactions to Trioli's Defence
Reactions to Trioli's Instagram post were divided among her followers. Some expressed disappointment with her endorsement of Tame, with one commenter stating: "Great leaders are not like Grace. Great leaders do not cause harm or division."
Another wrote: "Many women were upset by her hatred Virginia. Brave people make mistakes too and perhaps Grace could reflect on this."
However, others applauded Trioli's stance, with one supporter writing: "Thank you Virginia. We need more public voices calling this out and standing behind Grace." A second added: "Could not agree more. I am deeply ashamed and saddened by the direction in which our country is heading."
Tame's Criticism of ABC Reporting
Trioli's public defence came just hours after Tame accused the ABC of pandering to the pro-Israel lobby in its reporting of her comments about not supporting antisemitism. Tame claimed the national broadcaster was engaging in lopsided reporting that preferred the pro-Israel lobby's position over others.
"We can always rely on our ABC for more lopsided reporting that preferences the pro-Israel lobby's position ahead of everyone else's," Tame fumed in her criticism of the broadcaster.
Defending the 'Globalise the Intifada' Chant
Tame has defended her use of the phrase 'globalise the intifada,' explaining that she only supports peaceful action despite the term's association with violent uprisings in the Middle East that involved targeting civilians.
On Instagram, she wrote: "Both intifadas began as peaceful protests, boycotts and labour strikes in response to Israel's ongoing violent oppression. Omitting this context erases history and Palestinians themselves. Two wrongs don't make a right, but they sure do make right-wing propaganda."
Calls to Strip Australian of the Year Honour
Following her speech at the Herzog demonstration, Tame faced calls to be stripped of her 2021 Australian of the Year honour. More than 25,000 Australians signed a petition calling for authorities to charge Tame with alleged criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law.
The petition stated: "We do not need new 'hate speech' laws, if the threshold for incitement has been crossed, current laws are sufficient. In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year, an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation."
"That title carries moral weight. It is not just recognition for past advocacy, it represents an ongoing association with Australian ideals," the petition added, highlighting the significance of the honour Tame received for her advocacy work.
