‘We’re living in an Orwellian nightmare’: Grace Tame calls Anthony Albanese a ‘coward’ in scathing critique | Grace Tame
“We are living in an Orwellian nightmare,” Grace Tame has said in her scathing criticism of the prime minister and his government’s handling of the war in the Middle East.
One Article published on Crikey On Friday, the advocate for sexual abuse victims and human rights activist accused Anthony Albanese of being a “coward” and “turncoat” for refusing to condemn US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
It was the most sweeping rebuke to the Prime Minister since he described her as “difficult” when asked to describe public figures in one word at a News Corp event. He later claimed that he wanted to tell about her “difficult life”.
Tame, who was named 2021 Australian of the Year, said he had come up against a “well-oiled, well-funded political propaganda machine” in recent months, adding that the only reason Albanese found him “difficult” was because he was “outspoken about Australia’s toxic alliance with the US and Israel”.
“Anthony Albanese has failed us all by capitulating to foreign powers that seek hegemony, profit from endless chaos, and whose interests conflict with ours,” he said.
“This has been further reinforced recently by how quickly the government has moved to show support for the Iran war, which was launched by the United States and Israel without congressional approval and in direct violation of international law.
“I don’t think Albanese is an incompetent misogynist. I think he is a savvy political operator eager to appease Washington and Tel Aviv. This is a badge of honor that will trouble his conscience.”
Comparing Albanese’s historical defense of Palestine and criticism of Australia’s involvement in the Iraq war with his current position towards Iran, Tame claimed that “as a relatively vulnerable Pacific middle power, Australia cannot afford to cut military ties with the US and Israel”.
“We are in a geopolitical stalemate,” he said.
“I am a difficult person for Albanli because I am aware of this reality and I am not afraid to shout it at the top of my lungs in a way that will clearly disappoint him.
“While he may feel safe describing me that way in the false comfort of a conservative bubble, I really doubt he would say it to my face.”
The federal government approved the war, stating that “Australia supports actions to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”
Tame has faced major backlash from some conservative politicians and media outlets since attending a pro-Palestinian rally outside Sydney City Hall last month and chanting the controversial phrase “globalise the intifada”.
“The press and our so-called leaders needed a voice that day,” Tame said. “They needed a scapegoat to distract from the broadcast footage of unprovoked police brutality that emerged that evening. I was the obvious and easy target.
“In the weeks that followed, countless headlines, opinion pieces, talk show segments, and radio interviews spread, framing me as an anti-Semite and terrorist sympathizer who incites violence. It doesn’t matter 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 influential power brokers” and that this was preventing the Australian government and some media organizations from keeping up with its people.
“Public consciousness has changed in Australia,” he said. “The game is over; we no longer believe in propaganda. Just like we don’t believe Albanese’s defense because he called me tough.”
Albanese has been approached for comment.
