A petition demanding Grace Tame be stripped of her 2021 Australian of the Year honor has gathered 25,000 signatures, marking a significant public backlash against the child sexual abuse survivor turned activist.

Petition Gains Momentum

The online campaign targeting Tame has rapidly gained support from Australians calling for her prestigious national award to be revoked. The petition represents growing criticism of Tame’s public statements and advocacy positions since receiving the honor three years ago. Supporters of the petition argue that her conduct has been inconsistent with the values expected of an Australian of the Year recipient.

Tame previously issued what she described as a defiant defense of her controversial speeches and public appearances. The former Australian of the Year has maintained her position despite mounting criticism from various segments of the Australian public. Her supporters argue that she has remained true to her mission of advocating for abuse survivors and speaking truth to power.

Background on the Controversy

Grace Tame received the Australian of the Year award in 2021 for her work as a child sexual abuse survivor and advocate. Since then, her public statements and advocacy work have generated significant debate across Australia. Critics argue that some of her positions and public behavior have been inappropriate for someone holding such a prestigious national honor.

What This Means

The petition reflects deeper divisions within Australian society about public discourse and the role of national award recipients. While 25,000 signatures represent a substantial number, it remains unclear whether the National Australia Day Council, which administers the awards, has any mechanism to revoke the honor. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between traditional expectations of public figures and modern advocacy approaches that challenge established norms and institutions.