Grace Tame’s unfortunate and graceless departure

I genuinely had high hopes for Grace Tame when she was named Australian of the Year in 2021 (“If disdain so great, why go?”, 26/1). That hope never quite materialised and had she not attached herself to the Brittany Higgins matter, her reign would have almost gone under the radar.

Sadly, what she may now be best remembered for is her churlish and embarrassing performance on the national stage when she met the Prime Minister. Whether we like our political leader or not, we must still respect the office of Prime Minister. Tame’s attitude was cringeworthy and in that one act, she devalued both herself and the award she had a responsibility to respect.

I also have high hopes for Dylan Alcott and I am confident he will represent himself and the honour of being the Australian of the Year through his inspirational and motivating manner.

Neil Hunter, Morley, WA

The issue that Peter van Onselen missed in his article about Grace Tame is that she was not attending a private party at the Lodge. She was invited not to honour the PM, but to attend a function that honoured both the nominees for the 2022 various Australians of the Year and those who held positions in 2021. She had a right to go to pay homage to those people, and show her respect for what those positions mean. That does not mean she has to fake a smile while she stands next to the man who has chosen not to act on the issues she is so passionate about.

Marg D’Arcy, Rye, Vic

Scott Morrison must have known that at least half the people in the room don’t like him and won’t vote for him, and he can’t have been surprised that the 2021 Australian of the Year would publicly snub him, yet there he was, having to say something to express admiration on behalf of the nation, which of course he did sincerely and inclusively, with malice toward none, and without a note or an autocue.

If he goes down this year, where will we find such another?

Neville Clark, Battery Point, Tas

Twelve months ago, a largely unknown Grace Tame was welcomed as our fresh, young and articulate Australian of the Year. We imagined we’d see a year of progress with positivity, but quickly realised Tame offered, in the main, a series of narky, petulant and often alienating appearances, thick with political overtones. She wanted total rebellion, when change was already on its way. A year later, Tame has exited her role in a manner that belies her name, and I say, “close the door behind you”.

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

Grace Tame has proved honest in her convictions and courage to the end. A gifted orator, she has had a way of lifting conversations from the mundane and ordinary to the extraordinary and memorable. Early in her term as Australian of the Year she startled and gave pause to even the most seasoned of journalists with this enviable ability.

At the photo line-up with the PM, however, she chose silence and a frosty demeanour to signal her dissatisfaction with government policy; more effective than words on this occasion.

Kim Dodsworth, Nobby Beach, Qld

During the past year Grace Tame’s behaviour sometimes seemed “all about me”, not all about Australia. Her final performance sure takes the lamington. Peter van Onselen tells it straight: “If your disdain for the man is so great that you can’t muster basic and common courtesy, then just don’t go.”

Many will be glad to see the back of Princess Grace. Full marks to Scott Morrison for maintaining his own manners.

Ruth Bonetti, The Gap, Qld

It saddens me to think that being selected as Australian of the Year does not necessarily imbue the recipient with the grace that one may expect from the Prime Minister of Australia.

Tony Gwynn-Jones, Clare, SA

Grace Tame’s bad manners were showing. She made a mockery of the position. “There’s a time for war and a time for peace.”

What a pity she couldn’t retire with dignity.

Claire Brittain, Claremont, WA

An appropriate day to compare two young Australian women – the grace of Ashleigh Barty and the lack of grace of the petulant Grace Tame.

Robin Page, Port Fairy, Vic