‘If it is political, great’. Rosie Batty hits back at critics who say Oz Day Awards are too political

DOMESTIC violence campaigner Rosie Batty chides critics who say the Australian of the Year award has become too political.

Rosie Batty says the Australian of the Year award has always been political and should remain that way. Picture: Kim Eiszele

FORMER Australian of the Year Rosie Batty has hit back at critics who say the award is getting too political.

Ahead of the award ceremony in Canberra, Ms Batty told News Corp she had made the most of her time as the Australian of the Year in 2015 putting a national spotlight on family violence “where it should be”.

Her advice for future winners was to do the same.

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“Hasn’t it always been [political]? And why shouldn’t it be? And yeah, if it is political, great,” she said.

“I think one of the things we do admire about Australia is that you can take somebody like myself who puts a contentious social issue into public domain and really make the politicians accountable and they take that in good form and good spirit because that’s the role that you’ve been allowed to have through this award.

Rosie Batty was the 2015 Australian of the Year for her work is raising awareness about domestic violence. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“I think it is political. And I think it needs to be because I think this is what we’re here for, to challenge things that need a focus in our communities.”

Criticism that politics has taken a hold of the event has been mounting for the past few years after footballer Adam Goodes championed the fight against racism in 2014, Ms Batty spoke out against family violence in 2015 and former Army chief David Morrison vowed to fight for gender inequality and inclusion in 2016.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett added his voice to those calling for an overhaul before this year’s ceremony, saying it wasn’t appropriate for the awards to be used to “recognise a social issue of the day”.

“I just look at how far off purpose the whole thing is,” Mr Kennett said.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has previously called for the awards to be overhauled. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

“I would much rather have people recognised for outstanding work in their communities.

“Some are being recognised for work in their communities, but not often enough.”

Ms Batty’s message for future winners was to make the most of the opportunity.

“I put everything into my year as Australian of the Year and I think the Australian people understood and saw that,” she said.

“So for me, the respect and high regard that they show me is sometimes overwhelming but it always encourages me to keep going ... there’s so much negativity in the world — this actually creates a lot of positivity.

“A lot of people here, who are doing amazing things, have come from something that has not been easy, in whatever way that may be, and that shaped who they are and who they want to be and who they strive to be.”