Grace Tame has said “we are living an Orwellian nightmare” in a scathing criticism of the Prime Minister and his government’s position on the war in the Middle East.
In an essay published in Crikey on Friday, the advocate for sexual abuse survivors and human rights activist accused Anthony Albanese of being a “coward” and a “turncoat” for refusing to condemn the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
It was her most comprehensive rebuke of the Prime Minister since he called her “difficult” at a News Corp event when she was asked to describe public figures in one word. He later stated that he wanted to describe his “difficult life.”
Tame, named Australian of the Year in 2021, said she had encountered a “well-oiled and well-funded political propaganda machine” in recent months, adding that the only reason Albanese found her “difficult” was because she had been “outspoken about Australia’s toxic alliance with the United States and Israel”.
“Anthony Albanese has let us all down by capitulating to foreign powers that crave hegemony, profit from endless chaos and whose interests conflict with ours,” he said.
“This was recently reinforced by the swiftness with which the administration acted to show support for the war against Iran launched by the United States and Israel without congressional approval and in direct violation of international law.
“I don’t think Albanese is a bumbling misogynist. I think he’s a smart political operator eager to appease Washington and Tel Aviv. It’s a badge of honor to weigh on his conscience.”
Tame contrasted Albanese’s historic advocacy for Palestine and criticism of Australia’s involvement in the Iraq War with his current position on Iran, arguing that as a “relatively defenseless middle Pacific power, Australia cannot afford to sever its military ties with the United States and Israel.”
“We are in a geopolitical chokepoint,” he said.
“For Albanese, I am difficult because I am aware of this reality and I am not afraid to shout it at the top of my lungs, much to his obvious displeasure.
“While he might feel safe describing me as such in the false comfort of a conservative bubble, I sincerely doubt he would say it to my face.”
The federal government has backed the war, stating that “Australia supports measures to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”
Tame has faced a major backlash from some conservative politicians and the media since his appearance at a pro-Palestinian rally outside Sydney Town Hall last month, where he led chants of the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada”.
“That day, the press and our so-called leaders needed a comment,” Tame said. “They needed a scapegoat to distract from the broadcast images of unprovoked police brutality that erupted that same night. I was the easy and obvious target.
“In the weeks that followed, countless headlines, op-eds, talk show segments and radio interviews were published, framing me as an anti-Semite and terrorist sympathizer who promotes violence. Never mind that I’ve spent half my life trying to protect children.”
Tame said there was a “disconnect” between the “values of ordinary voters and the desires of powerful influencers”, which was leaving the Australian government and some media outlets out of step with its people.
“The tide of public consciousness has turned in Australia,” he said. “The game is over; we don’t buy the propaganda anymore. Just like we don’t buy Albanese’s defense for calling me difficult.”
Albanese has been contacted for comment.
