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' over the government's position on the US-Israel strikes on Iran. In an essay published by Crikey on Friday, Tame described the current political climate as an 'Orwellian nightmare'.
Tame, an advocate for sexual abuse survivors and human rights activist, criticised Albanese for what she called his 'capitulation to foreign powers', specifically the United States and Israel. She claimed that the only reason Albanese found her 'difficult' was because she had been outspoken about Australia's 'toxic alliance' with the two countries.
The federal government has endorsed the strikes, stating that it supports action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Tame argued that this stance conflicts with Australia's own interests and violates international law, noting that the strikes were initiated without congressional approval.
Tame contrasted Albanese's historical advocacy for Palestine and his past criticism of Australia's involvement in the Iraq war with his current position on Iran. She alleged that as a 'relatively defenceless Pacific middle power', Australia cannot afford to cut military ties with the US and Israel.
Tame has faced significant backlash since leading chants of 'globalise the intifada' at a pro-Palestine rally last month. She claimed that she has lost three speaking engagements on child safety due to an 'ongoing media campaign' that framed her as an antisemite and terrorist sympathiser, despite her work protecting children.
