On February 25, 2026, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paused during a Sky News event before describing 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame as ‘difficult.’
Tame, known for her advocacy after enduring grooming and abuse as a teen, rejected his later apology as condescending, calling the term misogynist’s code for non-compliant women.
Critics like Greens Senator Larissa Waters and author Jane Caro slammed the remark, while Albanese clarified he meant her challenging life experiences and stood by the word itself.
The exchange spotlighted tensions over language toward outspoken female advocates in politics.
