In a move that has set Australia’s political and social landscape ablaze, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has unleashed a scathing attack on Grace Tame, labeling her an “unworthy recipient” of the prestigious Australian of the Year award. The comments, made during a fiery interview on Sky News Australia on February 20, 2026, have triggered an explosive backlash, dividing the nation along ideological lines and escalating into a full-blown culture war. What began as a critique of one individual’s honor has morphed into a broader debate on politics, advocacy, and the role of survivors’ voices in public discourse.

Abbott, the conservative leader who served as Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015, did not mince words. “Grace Tame was given Australian of the Year, but she’s turned it into a platform for partisan politics,” he said. “She’s unworthy because she’s politicized an award meant to unite us, not divide us further. We’ve seen her align with left-wing causes, attacking institutions and figures without restraint.

That’s not what this honor is for—it’s for quiet, selfless service, not grandstanding.” Abbott’s remarks referenced Tame’s outspoken activism on issues like sexual assault reform, climate change, and criticism of conservative policies, which he claimed have “alienated half the country.”

Grace Tame, awarded Australian of the Year in 2021 for her groundbreaking work as a sexual assault survivor and advocate, has long been a polarizing figure. At 26 when she received the honor, Tame used her platform to push for legal changes in Tasmania’s gag laws on survivors and to call out systemic failures in addressing abuse. Her tenure was marked by bold actions, including a viral side-eye moment with then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a 2022 event, which symbolized her unapologetic stance against perceived complacency.

Supporters hail her as a trailblazer who gave voice to the voiceless; critics, like Abbott, argue she’s overstepped into activism that borders on partisanship.

The backlash was swift and ferocious. Within hours of Abbott’s interview, social media platforms exploded with #DefendGraceTame trending nationally. Prominent feminists, survivors’ groups, and left-leaning politicians rallied to her defense. Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young tweeted: “Tony Abbott calling Grace Tame ‘unworthy’ is the height of irony from a man whose own leadership was marred by controversies. This is an attempt to silence survivors—again.” The Australian Human Rights Commission issued a statement condemning the remarks as “detrimental to ongoing efforts to empower victims of violence.”

Tame herself responded via Instagram, where she has over 500,000 followers. In a composed video post, she said: “Being called ‘unworthy’ by someone like Tony Abbott doesn’t hurt—it motivates. I’ve spent years fighting for change because I know what it’s like to be silenced. This award wasn’t about me; it was about every survivor who deserves to be heard. If advocating for justice makes me unworthy, then so be it.” Her words resonated, garnering millions of views and shares, with celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Mia Freedman publicly endorsing her.

On the other side, Abbott’s supporters—largely from conservative circles—applauded his candor. Radio host Alan Jones echoed the sentiment on 2GB: “Finally, someone says it. Australian of the Year should inspire unity, not division. Tame’s activism has been weaponized against conservative values.” Groups like Advance Australia, a right-wing advocacy organization, launched a petition calling for a review of the award’s criteria, arguing it has become “a tool for progressive propaganda.” By the end of the day, the petition had over 150,000 signatures.

The confrontation quickly spilled into live television debates. On ABC’s Q&A that evening, panelists clashed fiercely. Former Labor MP Craig Emerson defended Tame: “Abbott’s comments are a dog whistle to silence women who’ve been through hell. Grace has done more for survivors than most politicians ever will.” In contrast, Liberal Senator Jane Hume countered: “The award is meant to celebrate Australians who build bridges, not burn them. Tame’s approach has been confrontational, and Abbott is right to call it out.”

Social media amplified the divide. Platforms like X and TikTok became battlegrounds, with #UnworthyTame trending alongside #AbbottRight. Pro-Tame users shared personal stories of abuse, using the hashtag to highlight how her advocacy saved lives. Anti-Tame posts accused her of “playing the victim card” and politicizing trauma. Misinformation spread rapidly, with doctored images and out-of-context clips fueling the fire. Cyberbullying reports surged, prompting calls for better online protections from groups like eSafety Commissioner.

This isn’t the first time Tame has faced criticism. Since her award year, she’s been a lightning rod for controversy, from her public spats with Morrison to her vocal opposition to coal mining and support for Indigenous rights. Abbott, too, has a history of provocative statements—his “no means no” comment on climate change and past remarks on gender issues have drawn ire. But this clash feels different: it’s a proxy for deeper cultural rifts in Australia, where debates over free speech, victim advocacy, and political correctness intersect with ongoing issues like the Voice referendum fallout and cost-of-living crises.

Political analysts see broader implications. Dr. Sarah Cameron from the Australian National University noted: “This is symptomatic of a polarized society. Abbott’s attack taps into conservative resentment toward ‘woke’ activism, while Tame embodies the push for social justice. It could influence voter sentiment ahead of the 2025 federal election, energizing bases on both sides.”

As the dust settles, neither side shows signs of backing down. Abbott doubled down in a follow-up interview: “I’m not attacking survivors—I’m defending the integrity of our national honors.” Tame, meanwhile, announced a new speaking tour focused on “unsilencing voices,” turning the controversy into fuel for her cause.

In a nation still healing from pandemics, floods, and economic strains, this feud underscores a fundamental question: who gets to define “worthiness” in public life? As former officials, activists, and everyday Australians weigh in, the culture war rages on—proving that in 2026 Australia, even national heroes aren’t immune to division.