Scott Morrison addresses Grace Tame controversy at Australia Day event

Scott Morrison has responded to controversy surrounding Grace Tame’s photo with him at an Australia Day function, referencing her “terrible life ordeal”.

Scott Morrison has broken his silence on the Grace Tame controversy, suggesting she’s had “a terrible life ... ordeal” but that he will always greet guests with a smile.

In his first interview outlining his reaction to the now viral images of Ms Tame at the Lodge on Australia Day, the Prime Minister also suggested that the day was supposed to be about this year’s finalists, implying the furore had overshadowed that.

During an interview on 4BC, Mr Morrison was asked: “Did yourself and your wife Jenny feel disrespected?”

He did not deny he felt disrespected but noted he had greeted Ms Tame with civility.

“I’ve seen all of that. Anyone comes to our home, when we invite somebody, we greet them with a smile, and they’re always welcome,’’ Mr Morrison said.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny with Grace Tame. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The PM said the day was not about Ms Tame, but this year’s Australia of the Year finalists. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Unprompted, the Prime Minister then noted that the focus of the day was supposed to be about this year’s finalists, not Ms Tame.

“And that day, that day was actually about all the finalists coming to celebrate,’’ he said.

“And the previous Australians of the Year were there. Jenny and I were there and that day was all about them.

“All I’m saying is we were there that day to celebrate those who’ve done an incredible job for our country. And Jenny and I wanted to welcome them into our home and wish them all the best.

Mr Morrison then suggested Ms Tame had experienced great difficulties.

“Look, Grace is a passionate person who’s raised important issues,” he said.

“She’s had a terrible life… ord ... a terrible life … um you know things happened to her ordeals, the abuse. It’s just awful.

“And I know a lot of Australians, me included, you know, support her efforts to ensure

that these issues can be raised and addressed.

“Our government has done more than any other government on this issue, and that is in part

because of the strong focus that has been brought to these issues and the response that we’ve made.

“So I thank her for her time as Australian of the Year and as I say, when you know, if people come to our house, Jenny and I always greet them with a smile.”

Australian of the year Dylan Alcott greets Grace Tame at the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Ms Tame was named the 2021 Australian of the Year after overturning a Tasmanian law that prevented her from speaking about her experiences of sexual assault when she was just 15.

The extraordinary photos captured on Friday showed the tense moment Ms Tame met with the Prime Minister before a morning tea for the 2022 Australian of the Year finalists.

The 27-year-old was seen looking unimpressed as Mr Morrison and his wife Jenny stood for photos with other people as she waited to enter the event

“Hello Grace,” the Prime Minister was then heard saying.

“G’day,” she responded.

“How are you going? Congratulations on the engagement,” Mr Morrison continued.

“Thank you,” Ms Tame said, not making eye contact with the Prime Minister.

She then smiled at Jenny who said something that couldn’t be heard.

Ms Tame then appeared visibly unimpressed while standing for photos next to the Prime Minister.

She didn’t say anything once the photos were taken before walking off.

Ms Tame had earlier tweeted an image about her two days in Canberra: “On second thoughts let’s not go to Canberra. It’s a silly place,” it said.

Originally published as Scott Morrison addresses Grace Tame controversy at Australia Day event